Obituaries

Marilyn V. (Torres) Baca

1940-2026

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Marilyn V. (Torres) Baca, age 85, of Belen, on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at the Albuquerque home of her eldest daughter, where she happily resided for her last two years.

She was surrounded by her loving children and we are comforted in knowing that Marilyn received her Last Rites by Fr. Mike J. Shea and Deacon Rivera, of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, as she began her final journey to meet our Lord.

Marilyn was born in Belen to parents, Pete and Cecilia (Cordova) Torres. She was one of seven children. As a child, she enjoyed being a Girl Scout and participating in 4-H.

In high school, she was in band as both a twirler and a trumpeter, Government Club and Future Homemakers of America. She graduated from Belen High School in 1958 with lifelong fond memories of her school days and school friends.

Marilyn then worked at Dr. Radcliff’s office in Belen and later volunteered at St. Mary’s Catholic School as an administrative secretary.

Marilyn married Olmedo (OJ) Baca in 1960 at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. They were members of the Jaycees, and Marilyn was in service to the Catholic Daughters of America.

Marilyn had a fond love of the arts and music, especially trumpet music that she listened to daily, as well as inspiring the family’s love of live theater. It was her strong value of higher education that inspired her four children to pursue college studies, of which she was so proud.

Marilyn was a homemaker, always with a kind and gentle demeanor. She was delighted to become a grandmother, and she was adored by her loving grandchildren, who spent much time with her and lifted her spirits until her very last days.

Marilyn is survived by her four children, Steve Baca, of Los Lunas, Gerald Baca and wife, Victoria (Vicky), of Albuquerque, Jolene Baca Esparza, of Albuquerque, and Valerie Baca and husband, Stephen Drewelow, of Lakewood, Colo.; five grandchildren, Katelyn, Madison and Andrew Esparza, and their father, Del Esparza; and Noah and Annabelle Drewelow; sister, Virgie Brindamour and husband, Don, of Fontana, Calif.; sister-in-law, Virginia Baca, of Belen; and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Olmedo Baca; parents, Pete and Cecelia Torres; in-laws, Antonio and Alicia Baca; sister, Frances Cavalier Abeyta; brothers, Robert (Bobby) Cavalier, Joe Cavalier, Jimmy Cavalier and Alvin Torres; in-laws, Cipriana and Gillie Sanchez, Carmen and Earl Waid, Marci and Dinah Baca, Antonio Jr. and Amy Baca, Ruben and Lucille Baca and Doroteo (Joty) Baca. We have faith that she will also reunite with her unborn grandchildren of Gerald and Vicky.

The family would like to thank Marilyn’s caregivers over the past few years, with special recognition of our amazing sister, Jolene, who provided loving care for many years, as well as our precious sister-in-law, Vicky, for her caregiving and spiritual guidance, especially during Marilyn’s last months and last moments.

Romero Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. See their website for details on services.

Carmen Chavez

1972-2026

Carmen, a woman who sought God all her life, is now in His presence.

She was known for her warmth, her smile, and for taking care of the people around her.

Services will take place at San Clemente Catholic Church on Monday Feb. 2, starting with a visitation at 8:30 a.m., a Rosary at 9:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Carmen devoted almost 20 years to public education, teaching students including those with bilingual and special education needs, helping them reach grade level. Teaching was her joy.

She later spent five years at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Belen, guiding students in the sacraments and their faith while learning and growing alongside them.

As the oldest sister, Carmen helped raise her younger siblings and remained a steady presence in her family’s life. She was a devoted daughter, sharing a close bond with her father, Sam, and cherished her family deeply.

Carmen’s greatest blessings were her husband, Ted, and her son, Sammy. She met Ted in her late 30s at a happy hour after praying to meet the man she would marry, and they married in 2011. In October 2014, she adopted her son, Sammy, and the moment she saw his picture, she knew he was hers. That certainty grew when she first saw him smiling through the window, and she told him he was the reason she was fighting her sickness.

Ted and Sammy were the center of her life, and her love for them was unwavering. She was grateful for friends who supported her throughout her life, during her illness and after her passing.

Carmen is survived by her husband, Ted; and her son, Sammy; her father, Sam; her brother, Antonio; and her niece and nephew, Angie and Tonito, along with their mother, Sam.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Carmen and Sam; her cousin, Lil; her aunt, Ernie; and her students who passed before her.

The purpose of life is to love and to be loved, and Carmen emulated that in her life through the care she gave her family and students.

Goodbye, we love you to the moon and back, until we meet again in paradise.

Jose Luis “Louie” Chavez

1946-2026

Jose Luis “Louie” Chavez, 79, of Albuquerque, passed away Jan. 17, 2026.

Born May 19, 1946, in Tomé, Louie proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He owned Louie’s California Concept Hair Design.

A devoted father, grandfather, and uncle, Louie loved fishing, hunting and skiing.

Services will be held Monday, Feb. 2, at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Albuquerque, beginning with a viewing at 9 a.m., a Rosary at 9:30 a.m. and a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m.

For full obituary, please visit danielsfuneral.com/obituaries/louie-chavez.

Lovelia C. Jaramillo

1931-2026

Lovelia C. Jaramillo, age 94, of Abeytas, N.M., passed away on Jan. 21, 2026.

Lovelia was born on Jan. 25, 1931, in La Joya, N.M., to Hipolito and Ciprianna Cordova. She was raised in a small, close-knit, family-oriented community, which shaped the values of faith, service and devotion that guided her throughout her life.

Lovelia was ahead of her time, completing her college education and earning a degree in education, a milestone that reflected her determination and belief in learning. She married Victor Jaramillo on Feb. 13, 1954, and together they built a life deeply rooted in family, love and community.

Lovelia and Victor instilled the value of education in their children, all six of whom went on to complete higher levels of education, a legacy that remains a source of pride for their family.

Lovelia is survived by her children, Joseph (Josie), Louis (Irelia), Regina (Bob), Steve (Diana), Harold (Amy) and Cipry (Bob); her grandchildren, Ben, Liz, Elisa, Ileana, Annalise, Jordan, Jonah, Chris, Joe, Haley, Aidan and Rowan; and her precious brother, Vince.

Lovelia had many roles throughout her life, including elementary teacher, church leader in many arenas and caregiver. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, where her faith and service were central to her life.

Above all, her most cherished and greatest gift was the love she gave to her family.

Romero Funeral Home, 505-864-8501, romerofuneralhomenm.com.

Candelario “Candy” Kline

1931-2025

Candelario “Candy” Kline, age 94, passed away on Jan. 20, 2026.

Services took place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Jan. 26. Interment was held at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens.

Please sign and read Candy’s full obituary online at romerofuneralhomenm.com. Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main St., Belen.