74° and Patchy rain nearby
Life and Family
Virginia Chavez Estrada was called home by our Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Virginia was born to Jose and Juanita Chavez on November 15, 1935. She was one of ten children.
Virginia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Pete Noriega Estrada, with whom she would have celebrated seventy-three years of marriage this November. She is also survived by her children: daughters Alicia Mancuso and spouse Paul Mancuso of Alamogordo, NM; Cecilia Estrada Ashe and spouse Michael J. Ashe of Chandler, AZ; and sons Estevan P. Estrada and spouse Renee Ankerstjerne of Lakeport, CA; Gilbert R. Estrada and spouse Elouise Estrada of Santa Fe, NM; Mario J. Estrada and spouse Juli A. Estrada; and Antonio L. Estrada. Virginia’s family was blessed with seventeen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and godchildren.
Virginia is also survived by her sisters, Patricia Padilla, whose spouse, Elijo Padilla, preceded her in death, and Lupe Maynez and spouse Oscar Maynez. She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, her grandson, two brothers, and six sisters.
Community and Service
Virginia was a dedicated community supporter who fundraised side by side with her husband for many organizations, including Sertoma Little League, Father James B. Hay School, the American Armed Forces Museum, and others. She also generously volunteered her time as a Zia Therapy Center board member for disabled children, at the Zia Therapy Center Thrift Store, Immaculate Conception Church, the Senior Citizens Center, the American Armed Forces Museum as secretary, and Father James B. Hay School as librarian.
Remembrance and Faith
Virginia worked for the Alamogordo Daily News and Alamogordo Credit Union. She will be lovingly remembered for her gift of making the best tamales, date cakes, and Mexican food, and for the warmth she shared with all who gathered around her table. Her life was rooted in unwavering faith, and her family takes comfort in knowing she is held high in the heavens. Her favorite quote was “Dios por delante y nosotros atrás de él,” translated as “God in front, we follow.”
Virginia’s legacy lives on through the family she cherished, the community she served, and the faith that guided her life.
The family is grateful for the love and support received during this difficult time. They are especially appreciative of the extended care given by Leticia Hawks, Stephanie Armijo Taylor, Amanda Mancuso, Margie Hernandez, and Virginia Simental.
Memorial Services
Memorial services will begin with the rosary and viewing on Friday, September 11, at 6:00 p.m. at Alamogordo Funeral Home, 2301 E. 1st Street, Alamogordo, NM. A Mass of Celebration will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 705 Delaware Ave., Alamogordo, NM, with a reception to follow at Elks Lodge #1897, 2290 Hamilton Rd., Alamogordo, NM.
Paul bearers represented by her sisters and brother include Randy Pacheco, Christopher Pacheco, Rick Covarrubia, Raymond Telles, Frank Sierra, and Matthew Chavez. Honorary Paul bearers include Ramon Mancuso, Andrew Mancuso, Matthew Mancuso, Mario Estrada, Estevan Estrada, Anthony Ashe, Travis Bingham, and Aaron Estrada.
