Marie Marcella Garcia-Chavez

Marie Marcella Garcia- Chavez, wife, mother of eight, grandmother of 19 grandchildren, great grandmother of 29 great grandchildren, passed away on February 4, 2021. A Catholic Vigil will take place Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 7 PM. A Rosary and Mass will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Castle Rock, CO. Father Tim O’Connell will officiate.

Marie was born in Clayton, NM on December 6, 1924. Parents Esteban and Caroline – Gould Garcia, raised 6 children.

Marie attended Sacred Heart Elementary. At the tender age of 12 her beloved father passed on. This hardship required that she and her siblings work to support their widowed mother. Marie continued schooling at Cole Junior High School and graduated from Manuel High School in 1942. Following high school, she went to Trinidad Junior College, in Trinidad, CO, emphasizing studies in airplane cockpit wiring installation. These skills were used to build airplanes in WWII.

A few of the many occupations that she held included being a buyer for the department store, Fashion Bar, waitress, laundromat worker, and housekeeper.

She met the love of her life, Sam J. Chavez, while attending the wedding of his sister. Engaged during the war, upon Sam’s return they wed on November 4, 1945.

Sam and Marie raised their children in Littleton, Lakewood, and Elizabeth, CO.

Their family business of 75 years, Sam’s Automotive, continues to thrive in Englewood, CO.

Marie’s passion was her commitment to marriage and motherhood. In raising her children, she threw herself into school and social activities.

As a devout Catholic, she was involved in several charities and organizations related to the church. She was very faithful to the Carmelite Monastery of Littleton. Her hobbies were her devotion to the service of others.

Her personal interests included giving pedicures and manicures to the elderly and needy, watching movies with her grandchildren, sitting on the back deck of her home during a sunset, feeding the birds, going to eat with her family and friends, traveling with her family, and having a good glass of wine or a cold beer. No matter the weather, she loved to take a walk. To know Marie was to know that her family was her life.

Marie is survived by her sons: Mike and Gilbert

Daughters: Darlene, Linda (Tom), Gail (Larry), and Teresa.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Sam, her parents, 3 brothers: Steve, Louis, and Robert. Sisters: Dolores and Maxine. Sons: Gary and Steve. Grandchildren: Deanna and Ryan

A private interment for immediate family will follow services.

Contributions in Marie’s name may be sent to Catholic Charities of Central Colorado- Castle Rock Office

410 S. Wilcox, St. suite 102, Castle Rock, CO 80104

WE LOVE YOU MOM