In Memory of Kristin Chavez

On January 8, 2021, Kristin Chavez (30), departed on her final journey to the most beautiful destination imaginable. With her parents at her side, she nodded one final goodbye, looked to express a final, "I Love You", and left the earthly body that had restrained her free spirit over the last 2 1/2 years. In May, 2018, Kristin was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer (glioblastoma). She accepted her diagnosis with grace and dignity; acknowledging a life for which she was grateful. As her disease progressed and her physical abilities deteriorated, her guiding light became even brighter. The love she radiated to family and friends never dimmed - her bright, infectious smile will be ingrained in our hearts forever. As a young child, Kristin challenged boundaries and sought a variety of new experiences. She danced, ice skated, tumbled, played soccer and was a high school cheerleader.

After graduating from UNM in 2012 with her B.A., she pushed those boundaries further by venturing off with a backpack and a plane ticket to spend her next 5 years traveling the globe. She bravely trotted across the continents by herself exploring people, places and cultures. She loved nature and being outdoors. She also loved working with children and often found jobs teaching English in faraway places. She visited 34 countries and lived all over the world including Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, and South Korea.

Kristin was known in the family as our "Adventure Girl". Her family is comforted in knowing she made her final one-way ticket to an eternal paradise where her parents will no longer worry about her living quarters, job possibilities or safety! She is now tap-dancing with her Grandma Lucy Long, reading with her Grandpa Cy Long, and meeting her Grandpa Bob Chavez for the first time. She'll be getting to know her uncles David, Gary, and Greg Long and is surrounded by family love! Kristin is survived by her two loving parents, her two sisters, Afton and Jocelyn; her Grandmother, Bobbie Chavez; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Donations In Memory of Kristin Chavez

When you make the donation below, we will already know it is In Memory of Kristin Chavez and we will send an acknowledgement of your gift to the family.

If you do donate, please consider checking to see if your employer has a corporate match policy!