Maria "Lucy" Maldonado Chacon
February 2, 1937 - July 29, 2025
Maria Maldonado Chacon, lovingly known as "Lucy" to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Gila, New Mexico, to Urbano and Pascuala (Maldonado) Chacon. Lucy lived a life filled with adventure, laughter, and deep love for her family.
After attending business school in Santa Fe, Maria built a distinguished career, working at the State Capitol before joining Sandia National Laboratories, where she dedicated many years until her retirement. Her commitment to service continued beyond her professional life as she volunteered at the Los Lunas Library, sharing her warmth and knowledge with the community.
Maria's adventurous spirit took her around the world to Austria, Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, and Spain, but her heart always belonged to New Mexico, especially the treasured family property in Glenwood. This special place, where her father had once farmed, became the backdrop for countless Easter celebrations and family gatherings, with everyone enjoying hikes along the nearby "Catwalk"
Known for her fiery spirit and infectious sense of humor, Maria had a gift for making others laugh with her jokes and stories. She found joy in life's simple pleasures: crocheting beautiful handmade items, hunting for treasures at weekend sales, and canning apricots from the trees in her yard. In the evenings, she loved watching novellas with her father, nieces, and her beloved cat.
Though Maria never had children of her own, she poured her maternal love into her nieces and nephews, treating them as her own children. Her family will forever cherish her special nicknames for each of them – "My Daniel," "Red," "USA," "Jerry," "Movie Stars," "Flo," - tokens of her unique and personal love for each one.
In October 2020, Maria relocated to Silver City to be closer to family who could assist with her needs. When her health required nursing home care, her niece Ymelda McDonald became her devoted daily caregiver, lovingly managing her medication needs and ensuring she felt surrounded by family love every single day.
Maria is survived by her devoted siblings; Bernando Chacon of Silver City, NM, Irene and Robert Alvarado of Silver City, Magdalena and Johnnie Kirker of Santa Clara, NM; She also leaves behind 7 nieces and 2 nephews, 7 great-nieces and 11 great-nephews, all of whom will carry forward her legacy of love, laughter, and strength. She was preceded in death by her parents, Urbano and Pascuala Chacon; her nephew Ruben Chacon; niece Anna Chavez; great-nieces Irene Chavez and Myrandah Quintana.
Maria's legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her humor, generosity, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Visitations will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at 5:30pm-6:00pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels, with the Holy Rosary commencing at 6:00pm, recited by Raquel Morales and Rita Sanchez. The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 10:00am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with Father Oliver Obele officiating. She will be laid to rest following the mass at Maldonado Cemetery in Gila, NM. Pallbearers are Robert Quintana, Steve Wilson, Javier Dominguez, Arcenio McDonald, Gilbert Cordero and Candido Polanco.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
