Obituaries

Fernando Chavez

1934-2026

Fernando Chavez, 91, of Belen, passed away on Feb. 1, 2026.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.

Services will take place at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church on Tuesday, Feb. 17, beginning with a visitation at 9 a.m., Rosary at 10 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. A private interment will take place at a later date.

Fernando lived a long life, full of many proud accomplishments. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. One of Fernando’s greatest accomplishments was the family and life that he built. He married Lydia Cordova on April 25, 1955, and together they built a life deeply rooted in family love, and community.

Fernando is survived by his wife, Lydia, of 70 years; daughters, Navora Cordova (Gerald) and Macrena Gallegos; sons, Fernando Chavez Jr. and Miguel Chavez (Susan); brother, Richard Chavez (Gem); sister, Lydia Lona, and alongside numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Anastasia and Cristobal Chavez; in-laws, Eselina and Esquipula Cordova; and his grandson, Justin Gallegos.

We wish to thank Ambercare and his caregiver, Mary Silva, for the support throughout a difficult time.

Mary Sue (Harris) Hoesch

Died 2026

Mary Sue Harris was born in Hugo, Okla., a small town on the border with Texas where the second largest circus in America spent the winters. It might have been a sign.

For the first 10 years of her life, she was the pampered only child of Walter J. and Zelma Harris. However, when baby brother, Walter Jr. came along, 7-year-old Mary Sue was thrilled. She thought she’d been gifted a living baby doll.

WJ, a contractor, followed work and the family moved from Oklahoma to Texas to Arizona and settled in New Mexico. Several years later, at the Rainbow Gardens Roller Dome on San Mateo, a beautiful brunette, skating like she was born on wheels met Virgil Hoesch, a rakish, handsome young soldier. For the rest of the evening, they dance-skated like old partners. It was love at first sight. They married in August of 1951 and began their own circus.

Mom and Dad kinda grew up together. Four children born in rapid succession. One of our fondest memories was Dad aiming a question at Mom over Sunday dinner. “Does your Mom know we’re springing the apes on her today?” We four “apes,” laughed so hard milk shot out my brother’s nose.

Sue, as she preferred to be called, always bright and curious, never stopped learning. College courses, investment classes, as both student and teacher, she owned several retail businesses, bought and brokered land and house sales, all while pursuing a variety of hobbies. She even won second prize in an archery contest.

She loved reading, sewing, music, playing games and seeing new sights. Mom kept a go bag by the door. She traveled with Dad until his death in 1993 when she found herself suddenly alone.

A dark time, she prayed through a new chapter. Her now grown kids, Virgil Jr., Mary Ann Sickenger, Patricia Boynton and Hank and Fable Hoesch, and a circle of dear friends held mom tight. The pull of her surviving grandkids and great-grandkids helped lift her whenever she fell.

In the course of her life, she lost her parents, her brother, beloved husband, oldest son, both sons-in law and her only grandson. But by God’s grace, she kept moving forward. When she looked over her life, it was with gratitude and wonder. Hope not tears. And love. Always a lot of love.

Sue chose to stay in Bosque Farms, then move to Los Lunas. But her heart was in Valencia County. She loved this valley. Its people and its culture. Her best memories were here. And so was her church.

Mom was not shy about sharing her faith. For more than five decades, she attended the Church of Christ in Bosque Farms. She knew true joy and peace came only when you make the decision to follow Christ. That one choice, she believed, shaped all the others. Her faith was her light.

Mary Sue Harris met her Savior on Jan. 25, 2026. Her heart worn out, she was changed in an instant to rest in His loving arms. And maybe skates when it’s permitted.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Bosque Farms Church of Christ, off N.M. 47.

Nancy Lou Hoff

1942-2026

Nancy, beloved wife and mother, was a devout Christian and a charter member of the Northeast Church of Christ. She was baptized at the Warner Robins Church of Christ.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband and best friend, James E. Hoff Sr.; their two children, whom she adored as they adored her, James (Jay) E. Hoff Jr. (Carolyn) and Kelly N. Hoff Baldwin (Roger); Rogers’ faithful companion, Chester, who Nancy treasured and called the Wonder Dog. She is also survived by her brother, David Crawley (Nicki).

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Authur L. and Bernice (Edwards) Crawley; sisters, June Caraway (Ray) and Nell Allen (Millard).

In addition to her love of God and his church, Nancy was a fantastic seamstress, making all of her clothes, including the gorgeous embroidered pantsuits she is wearing home to our Lord and Savior. Nancy created beautiful quilts and did many other types of needlework.

She was a great artist in several disciplines including, but not limited to, oil paints and tole painting. She achieved Master Woodworker status, made porcelain dolls and stained glass. Nancy enjoyed family research, solving crosswords and cyphers.

Nancy was lovely and a lady in all things and is loved so much and greatly missed by her husband, James (Jim) and family.

Nancy’s funeral service will be officiated by Logan Summers (Lacey). The pallbearers for Nancy are Roger Baldwin and Chester the Dog, Sam Porter (Susan) our close and dear friend, Tim Maestas, our great friend, Joshua Neal, a wonderful friend and Eagle Scout, Gary Yates (Janice) and Bryan Wiggins (Nancy), great Christian friends.

John T. Eberle (Sol) will be the honorary pallbearer, our true friend and Marine. The song leader is Lee Woodall (Kali).

I want everyone to recognize the effort and fine work of Dr. Cowan and Dr. Sime, nurse Kelsey and the ENT medical team at UNM-H. They gave Nancy and me six additional years together but for them we would not have had. Nancy and I are so very thankful that God put them in our paths. We thank you!

Viewing will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, followed by services at Northeast Church of Christ, 11000 Paseo Del Norte, Albuquerque. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd., Albuquerque, NM.

Please visit our online guestbook for Nancy at FrenchFunerals.com.

Mary Jaramillo

1936-2026

Mary Jaramillo, age 89, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Feb. 16, at Our Lady of Belen Church. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. All who knew and loved Mary are welcome to attend and celebrate her life.

Mary was born in Sabinal, N.M., to Quirino and Alberta Salas Lucero. She spent most of her life in Belen, a community she cherished and proudly called home.

In her later years, she moved to Barstow, Calif., and Las Vegas, Nev., where she lived with her daughters for the past five years. She loved spending precious time with both of her daughters.

Mary dedicated 30 years of service as a housekeeper at Belen Community Hospital. She was known for her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the pride she took in everything she did. After retiring, she continued serving others by volunteering and working at the local senior center for 10 years.

Mary was a hard worker with a strong and independent spirit, and she carried that strength with her throughout her life. She deeply loved her family and found joy in life’s simple comforts. Mary enjoyed spending her evenings watching television, especially westerns and “The Golden Girls.”

She had a warm and familiar way of greeting everyone she met, always asking, “What’s new?” — a phrase that will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Mary is survived by her loving daughters, Nancy Perea and Elaine and husband, Joseph Peralta; her siblings, Nora Lucero and Paul and Geneva Flores; her grandchildren, Louis, Maria, Casey, Julian, Crystal, Mario, Antoinette, and Andrea; 21 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren, all of whom will continue her legacy of love and strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Quirino and Alberta Salas Lucero; her son, Charles Jaramillo; her daughter, Anita “Fillie” Chavez; her grandson, Andrew Peralta; her son-in-law, Felix Perea; and her siblings, Raymond Lucero, Albert Lucero, Frances and Manuel Vela, and Helen and Nep Sanchez.

Mary will be remembered for her resilience, devotion to family and the quiet strength she carried throughout her life. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Elsie (Excelsa) Sanchez-Jaramillo

1929-2026

Our beautiful mother (about one month short of age 97) passed away on Jan. 7, 2026. She died of natural causes.

Services will take place at Romero Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, Feb. 22, beginning with a visitation at 10:30 a.m., and a celebration of life at 11 a.m. Interment will be a private event per family.

Elsie was born in Belen on Feb. 22, 1929, to her parents J.M Willie and Manuelita Sanchez. The Sanchez family later relocated to Santa Fe, where Elsie was raised with her mother and father and eight younger brothers and sisters.

Elsie met, fell head-over-heels in love and eventually married her beloved, Henry Jaramillo Jr. on Aug. 21, 1950. The lovely couple met in Santa Fe, where they both worked at the State Capitol. Elsie was employed as a secretary at New Mexico’s ports of entry, and Henry was employed as a field auditor for the Bureau of Revenue when they met. They remained happily married and shared an exemplary, loving marriage for 75 years.

Elsie and Henry raised five children, Paulette, Judy, Eric, Eddie and Cristina.

Elsie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry Jaramillo, on Aug. 20, 2023, and two sons, Edward “Eddie” Jaramillo on May 29, 2006, and Eric Jaramillo on Aug. 18, 2014.

Elsie is survived by three daughters, Paulette, and her husband, Dennis Hale, Judy and her husband, Glen Haikin, and Cristina Jaramillo. She leaves behind seven grandchildren, Triana Burdick, Troy Hartman, Erica Montoya, James Jaramillo, Breanne Serna, Jenna Jaramillo and Michael Jaramillo; as well as nine great-grandchildren, Christopher and Lila Burdick, Ben, Damian, Stefon, and Mercedes Montoya, Isabel and Sofia Jaramillo and Brielle Cordova; four great-great grandchildren, Benjamin, Montoya IV, Anorah Montoya, Marie Montoya and Delia Montoya; and more than 50 nephews and nieces.

Elsie is also survived by four brothers, Al Sanchez and his wife, Josie, of Santa Fe, Ray Sanchez, of California, Andrew Sanchez, of Albuquerque, and Matthew Sanchez, of California. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Martinez, of California.

Elsie and her husband, Henry, were well known in the Belen community (and throughout the state) for their involvement in education, including the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University Foundation and many other organizations.

Elsie was devoted to her husband and children, whom she loved and cared fore full-time with much devotion and support. She espoused so many values — love God, generosity, love for music and the arts and compassion. Elsie certainly was all about discipline, was a devout Catholic, believed in “Cleanliness next to godliness” and in maintaining an impeccable reputation.

She was also loved for her feisty spirit, her witty comebacks and contagious laughter. Elsie was a voracious reader, a talented artist and the penultimate homemaker.

Though life presented many challenges and disappointments, Elsie felt abundantly blessed, especially by her family. Now she has joined those members of her family that had predeceased her. May her soul rest in eternal peace with those she loved and lost too soon.

Dear precious mother, you will never be forgotten … until we meet again, dear mother.

In lieu of flowers, please give an offering and prayer to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Laricsa C. Sanchez

2000-2026

Laricsa C. Sanchez, age 25, passed away on Feb. 1, 2026.

Services will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Friday, Feb. 13, beginning with a visitation at 10:30 a.m., a Rosary at 11:30 a.m., and a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at Tomé Catholic Cemetery.

For a full obituary, please visit Romerofuneralhome.com.

Dr. Claire Marie Stroh-Smith-Peoples

1928-2026

We are mourning the loss of Dr. Claire Marie Stroh-Smith-Peoples.

Claire served as consulting psychiatrist for mental health clinics throughout central New Mexico with the Department of Hospitals and Institutions, the UNM Department of Psychiatry along with becoming adjunct professor of psychiatry and assistant training director at the Albuquerque VA Hospital.

She retired at 85 and kept her sharp mind and loving heart to her death.

For her full obituary, please visit Neptune website, neptunesociety.com/obituaries/albuquerque-nm/claire-peoples-12724686