Our beloved Christine went to be with our Lord on December 18, 2025. She was born on January 27, 1949 in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

She is preceded in death by her parents Albino Gallegos Jr. and Maria Martinez Gallegos, her brother Patrick Gallegos (USMC), and her special tía Ofelia.

She is survived by her husband of 35 years Michael Chavez (US Navy), her son Gabriel Chavez, daughter-in-law Ramara, granddaughter Zaliyah, and siblings: brother Benny Gallegos and wife Cora, sister Mary Helen Buford, brother Ernest Henry Gallegos (US Navy), brother Albino Gallegos III (US Army) and wife Lillian, sister Petrita Grantham and husband Daniel, sister Connie Diaz and husband Manuel, and sister Judy Randall and husband Kevin.

Christine grew up as a rancher helping her father with ranch work, especially when her brothers were in the military. She graduated from Robertson High School in Las Vegas, New Mexico and attended college in Dallas, Texas. She worked as a telephone systems technician in Las Vegas before starting her banking career as a teller and working up to branch management at several banks.

She moved to North Carolina with Michael where she traveled, made many wonderful lifelong friends, and managed a mortgage office. Later, she returned to Las Vegas to help care for her ailing mother until her death, and she cherished returning to her roots. Christine has said that her favorite job she ever had was when she worked at Alta Vista hospital in Las Vegas where she managed the finance department helping people with their medical bills.

After retirement, she started crafting, quilling, and making silk roses. She was most proud of the tilma she made for Our Lady of Guadalupe. She routinely made decorations for Knights of Columbus occasions, including Family Nights and special decorations for Council 804's 120th anniversary.

Christine loved to be with her family any chance she could be and was always proud of the achievements of the younger members as they grew up. She attended many Martinez and Chavez family reunions in Colorado and New Mexico.

Christine's health issues later in life did not stop her from being a bright light in the lives of many, and helping people any and every way she could, including her children and grandchildren and her cousin Gilbert Gallegos (deceased) at the end of his life. She was a formidable presence in the lives of those close to her, and she was a fierce ally.

Christine was always smiling and spreading cheer and love, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Christine and Michael met in Albuquerque, and he asked her to dance that first night. Just before she passed, when Michael was helping her stand, she asked him if he wanted to dance.

Rosary will be recited on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at 6:00pm, funeral mass will be conducted on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 9:30am with both services to be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Las Vegas, NM. Pallbearers will be Albert Gallegos, Ralph Padilla, Rick Salazar, Mitchell Marquez, Raymond Lujan and Ben Maynes. Honorary Pallbearers will be Night of Council 804 Burial of cremains will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.
Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.
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