Mercy Vigil Chacon

Mercy Vigil Chacon, born Mercedes Valencia, 86, peacefully left this earth March 15, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Services will be held at San Rafael Catholic Church in San Rafael, NM on April 14 at 11 a.m. Graveside services immediately following at Grants Cemetery.

Mercy loved fiercely and cared deeply. She never met a stranger and welcomed all into her home. She was one of 12 siblings and was close with each of them and their families. She was a caregiver to both her parents in their later years and she cherished her time with them. Through her devotion and example of unconditional love, she instilled the importance of family in her children, grandchildren and beyond.

She worked for the Anaconda mine until it’s closure in 1982. She then worked in the canteen of the men’s prison in Grants NM. She was well known as “The Avon Lady” in the community and enjoyed socializing with her customers. Prior to her retirement, she worked briefly at Walmart in Grants. Mercy served as a Eucharistic minister for the San Rafael Parrish and attended church regularly.

In 2007, she reconnected with her first husband and relocated to Silver City, where she remained until her passing. She enjoyed her retirement and kept herself busy by working on crossword puzzles, going for walks. She loved and welcomed visitors especially her grand, great and great, great grandkids. She loved each of them unconditionally.

Mercy was a kind, independent, strong woman who cherished family and friends. She was always willing to sacrifice for others, and always put others before herself. She will be missed greatly and loved for eternity.

She is survived by her husband: Bernardo Chacon; four sons: Ruben Chacon wife Roseanne of Tucumcari, NM, Steve La Veau wife Margo of Tucson, AZ, David Burris wife Rosie of Dinuba, CA, Marcus Valencia of T or C, NM; two daughters: Olivia Chacon husband Leroy of Silver City, Nadine Jiron and husband Joaquin of Grants; seventeen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and three great great-grandchildren; two brothers: Joe R. Valencia and wife Julie of Grants, Manuel P. Valencia and wife Angela of Albuquerque; one sister, Sylvia Sandoval (Ben Sandoval) of Winslow, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Manuel A. Valencia & Maria C Valencia; two brothers: Adolfo Valencia (Oralia Valencia) and Samuel Valencia; six sisters: Antonia M. Chavez (Senovio Chavez), Lou Martinez (Felix Martinez), Eufemia Padilla (Manuel Padilla), Clorinda Nañez, Lala Valencia, and Shirley Valencia; great-grandson: Enrique Chacon; great-granddaughter Gracie Joe Sena.