Manuela Chavez Nevarez

Manuela Chavez Nevarez, 72, a resident of Espanola New Mexico passed away Saturday September 14, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by family. Manuela was born to Jesus Manuel Chavez Meraz and Gumercinda Nevarez Parra on July 27, 1952, in Colonia Alvaro Obregon and raised in Cuauhtemoc, Mexico. Manuela was the second oldest of four children, Maria Del Carmen, Francisco, And Pedro Chavez Nevarez.

Manuela lived in Chihuahua Chihuahua, Mexico, where she married Bernardino Ayala Arana and was the proud mother of five children. Norma, Felix, Luis Enrique, Bernardino, and Mario Ayala Chavez and several adopted children.

 Manuela had worked hard all her life to support her family. Manuela had several jobs, including working construction with a lot of men. Manuela was always known to be a big and strong woman. Manuela's children lived with her at home until they decided to travel to the United States. Manuela and her children communicated very regularly through the phone.

Manuela loved to try different food, but her favorite meal was a roasted chicken, salsa, fresh corn tortillas, and a cold coke. Manuela was fortunate to come to the United States in 2018 where she lived for the past six years, surrounded by four of her children and grandchildren. Manuela was given nothing but unconditional love.

 Manuela arrived in December of 2018, early morning. When Manuela arrived at her daughter’s house she was received by her children and grandchildren. Tears of joy ran down their faced with a big smile from ear to ear. Later that night Manuelas daughter Norma was woken up by the smell of cigarettes coming from the living room and individuals laughing loudly. Norma woke up and walked to the living room where she found her mother Manuela, brother Luis, and two of Luis’s friends, Rigo and Reyes all smoking even though they knew better than to be smoking inside her house. Norma questioned them as to who gave them permission to be smoking inside. They all laughed and continued to smoke and tell stories about the past and how they lived in Mexico.

Manuela was blessed with eleven grandchildren, Karla, Alexis, James, Mario, Manuel, Shantty, Natalie, Yasmin, Vanessa, Juan Manuel, and Logan who she loved with all her heart. Manuela shared and made a lot of unforgettable memories with all her grandchildren. Manuela laughed with all the crazy things her grandchildren would do, but enjoyed hearing Alexis contagious laugh and going on dates together, or telling Mario she loved his beautiful long hair and not to cut it, or getting after Manuel because he wouldn’t stop tickling her and bothering her, or drinking coffee with Shantty, or giving Natalie a unforgettable smile, or giving Juanito a confused looked because he talked to her in English. But she loved when all her grandchildren would come into her room and lay on her bed with her and ask “Me quieres?” and she would reply “Si” with her grandchildren asking “Cuanto” and she would say “Muncho”.

Manuela was preceded in death by both parents, Jesus Manuel and Gumercinda. Brothers Francisco and Pedro Chavez Nevarez, Grandson James Ayala, and several other family members.

Manuela is survived by her husband Bernardino Ayala, children Norma, Felix, Luis, Bernardino, and Mario, grandchildren Karla, Alexis, Mario, Manuel, Shantty, Natalie, Yasmin, Vanessa, Juanito, and Logan.

There will be two (2) Rosaries at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 6:00 pm and at 7:00 pm.

Mass will be at the Santa Cruz de la Canada Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM, on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family would like to thank everyone for the unconditional help and support during this difficult time. A big thank you to DeVargas Funeral Home and staff for taking care of our beloved Manuela.

The family of Manuela Chavez Nevarez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477