Josephine Fulgenzi Chavez

Josephine Fulgenzi Chavez, 95, of Albuquerque, NM passed peacefully into the loving arms of the Lord on August 29, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Dolores Fulgenzi of Las Vegas, NM; her husband, Edward E. Chavez of Albuquerque, NM; five brothers, Carlos Fulgenzi, Fred Fulgenzi, Ernest Fulgenzi, William Fulgenzi, and Lawrence Fulgenzi; her sister, Dolores Fulgenzi Sena; and her son-in-law, Roderick Waller. Josephine is survived by her two daughters, Dolores Waller and Virginia Myers and husband John; two grandchildren, Patrick Myers and wife Amanda and Lauren Myers and partner Richard Galli; many nieces and nephews as well as grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Josephine was a member of the “Greatest Generation.” During World War II, she worked as a riveter for McDonnell Aircraft Corporation and Lockheed Aircraft Company. She was the quintessential “Rosie the Riveter.” She was born in Las Vegas, NM on June 28, 1920. She grew up in Las Vegas and met her sweetheart and future husband, Eddie, while he was training with the Army at Camp Luna outside of Las Vegas. He was stationed in the Philippines before the start of World War II and was captured by the Japanese and survived the Bataan Death March and was a prisoner of war for three and a half years. After Eddie was liberated, Josie and Eddie were married in San Francisco in October of 1945. Josie lived all of her adult life in Albuquerque where she was active in her daughters’ and grandchildren’s school activities, the Democratic Party, Las Mujeras and the Hispanic Women’s Council. She was a very loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother and a loyal friend to many people in her life. The family wishes to thank Dr. Suzanne Pinon and the owners and staff of Meadows Senior Care in Albuquerque for their loving and compassionate care of our mother during the last six years of her life. Rosary will be recited Thursday, September 3, 2015, 9:00 a.m., followed by Memorial Mass at 9:30 a.m., at Risen Savior Catholic Community, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Interment of cremated remains will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that contributions be made to a charity of your choice. FRENCH – Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400

Josephine Fulgenzi Chavez

June 28, 1920 - August 29, 2015