L. Charlene Chavez

L. Charlene (Gallegos) Chavez (71) passed away in the early hours of May 26, 2025 with her husband Mike and her daughter Adrienne by her side.

She was the first child born to Melquiades and Lillie Gallegos on February 10, 1954. She attended Immaculate Conception Catholic School (Cuba, NM) for eight years. She then attended St. Pius High School in Albuquerque from 1969 to 1972. She went to UNM and graduated from the UNM College of Pharmacy in 1978. Charlene started working as a Pharmacist in Farmington, where she met her husband,After  Mike. They were married on September 21, 1979. Together they had one daughter, Adrienne, and two sons, Mike Jr. and Eric.

Charlene lived in and served the community of Gallup with Walgreens for 21 years. 

Upon retirement, she and Mike moved to Rio Rancho.

Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Melquiades and Lillie Gallegos, and her sister Donna Romero and nephew Christian Aragon. Also preceding her in death are her grandparents, Winfred & Mary Bletcher, Elizardo and Genoveva Gallegos.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Mike Chavez, her daughter, Adrienne Chavez, and

sons Mike Chavez Jr. (Hedy) and Eric Chavez (Nadine). Survivors also include 5 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, her sisters Cynthia Egenes (Hans), Brenda Gallegos, and Kathleen Gallegos and her brother Melvin Gallegos (Kathy) and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews.

The family has entrusted cremation with Trujillo Family Funeral Home, and internment will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Charlene wanted donations to be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A Celebration of her Life will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Please join the family in remembering her at the drop-in celebration held between 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Paradise Hills Community Center, 5901 Paradise Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114.

Fly with the Angels, until we meet again.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

"Our Family Serving Yours"