Katherine Chavez

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Kathy Connelly Chavez, age 74, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on Saturday, February 12, 2022.

Kathy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to John and Mary Connelly.

She attended Eastern University in Portales, NM where she earned her degree in Education, fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a teacher.  She ended her teaching career as a Special Education Coordinator at Belen High School.  Kathy enjoyed reading novels and excelled at sewing, weaving, pottery, painting, cooking, canning goods, and hosting elaborate parties.

Kathy enjoyed politics and was instrumental in organizing political rallies on the local, state, and national level.  She went on to become a “cluster chair” in Albuquerque.  One of her highlights was attending President Obama’s inauguration.

Kathy was a very generous person, sharing her time, talent, knowledge and ideas and was always donating to organizations or anyone in need.  She will be dearly missed.

Kathy was known to her family and friends as “Mama Katz”.  She was a loving wife, caring mother, wholehearted grandmother (mima/abuela) and  a loyal friend.  She was preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings and one sister- in-law.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Christobal Chavez; son, Neil (Ginger) Katz and granddaughter, Alyssa Katz from Atlanta, Georgia; step-daughter Priscilla (Jeff) Speidel and step-granddaughter Ava Speidel; step-daughters, Angela and Christina Chavez from Albuquerque, NM; sister, Marlyn Keene Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; brothers-in-law: Luis (Mary) Chavez, Robert (Viola) Chavez; sisters-in-law:  Mercedes Chavez and Mary Cox; and countless nieces and nephews, family and friends who loved her deeply.

A private interment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a future date. Kathy loved flowers and plants.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a tree or flowers in her memory.  Kathy’s memory will always be in our hearts.  Her belly laugh, hospitality and unconditional love for us all, will always be remembered.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Katherine Chavez, please visit our Tree Store.