Mercy Chacon, born Mercedes Valencia, peacefully left this earth March 15, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. 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 would travel to visit them frequently no matter how near or far. She and her sisters, lovingly referred to as “The Golden Girls” would set out on adventures. She was a caregiver to both her parents in their later years. 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 in Cibola County, NM until the mine's closure in 1982. She then worked in the canteen of the women’s prison in Grants NM. She was well known for selling Avon and enjoyed her time working with the students of San Rafael Elem. School through the foster grandparent program.
Prior to her retirement, she worked briefly at Walmart in Grants, where she was able to socialize and meet new people who would later go on to become lifelong friends. Mercy served as a Eucharistic minister for the San Rafael Parrish and attended church regularly. Mercy bowled for many years in a local league and traveled around the southwest to compete in various bowling tournaments. She worked hard and kept herself busy and had many friends and loved ones in the Grants/ San Rafael area.
In 2007, she reconnected with her first husband and relocated to Silver City, where she remained until her passing, where she naturally formed many new friendships. In the years following, she returned to Grants frequently to visit with family and friends.
Mercy was a kind independent strong woman who cherished family and friends. She enjoyed crosswords, going for walks and cheating at solitaire. 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 loving husband. Bernardo Chacon of the family home; four sons, Bernie Ruben Chacon and wife Roseanne Araparro of Tucumcari, NM; Steve La Veau and wife Margo of Tucson, AZ; David Barris and wife Rosie of Dinuba, LA; Marcus Valencia of T or C, NM; two daughters, Olivia Chacon and husband Leroy Becerra 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 of Winslow, AZ; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Adolfo Valencia and Samuel Valencia; six sisters, Antonia M. Chavez, Lou Martinez, Eufemia Padilla, Clorinda Nañez, Lala Valencia, and Shirley Valencia; one brother in-law, Ben Sandoval.
A memorial service will take place Thursday, March 23 at 10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Pastor Joseph Gros officiating.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trust care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.