Manuela Valentina Lucero

Manuela "Mela" Valentina Lucero, 67 of Las Vegas, NM died Tuesday, November 18, 2003 at Northeastern Regional Hospital following an illness. Manuela was born August 27, 1936 in Borica, NM to the home of Demecio Lucero and the former Anna Maria Moya. She was reared and attended schools at Borica, Puerto De Luna, and graduated from Santa Rosa High School. Manuela worked as a nurses aide for many years at Bernalillo County Medical Center and later as a private caretaker in Los Angeles, CA. She also worked as a nanny for a family in Los Angeles. Manuela made her home in Las Vegas in 1969 where she was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. She enjoyed visiting with her friends and family. According to her family she never forgot to send a birthday card or Christmas card to her loved ones. Manuela was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister Helen Southers in 1982. Survivors include two daughters Anna Lucero a husband Robert Chavez of Santa Rosa; Sarah Sandoval and husband Sam of Montana; two sons David Chewiwie and wife Odette of Vista, CA; and Daniel Ray and companion Bruce McDougal of San Francisco, CA. Also surviving is a sister Antonia Lucero of Clovis, NM along with seven grandchildren and her longtime caregivers Anita Ortiz and Mela Ortiz. Rosary services will be held at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, November 20, 2003 from the Chavez Funeral Home Chapel in Santa Rosa, NM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 21, 2003 from Nuestra Senora de Refugio Catholic Church in Puerto De Luna; Father Leo Padget will celebrate the Mass. Burial will follow at El Calvario Cemetery in Puerto De Luna, NM. Pallbearers will include: All arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 South Third Street Santa Rosa, New Mexico. (505) 472-3369 www.chavezfuneralhome.com