Mellie C. Nuanez, known as ‘Nanie’ to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2020 in her daughter’s loving arms. She was born in Torreon, NM on October 21, 1938 to Jose de Jesus and Crucita Chavez. She moved to Phoenix, AZ with her family in the 1940s to work the fields. The crops rotated in AZ which meant her family didn’t have to move around to follow the work. While most of her silbings relocated, Phoenix was her home.
Upon her retirement from Motorola in 1996, she focused on raising Karen and pursuing her passions. She was a true patriot and an active member of the American Legion Post #41. She participated in many local parades and fundraisers, worked the polls and often volunteered. The one quality that outweighed her patriotism was her faith.
As a devout Catholic, she always made her faith the center of her home and life. She sang in the church choir for many years and, in 1987, sang for Pope John Paul II. Anytime she ended a call or said her goodbyes, you would always hear her say “God is with you!”. She walked in his perpetual light and shared it with everyone she came across.
She is preceded by her parents, her siblings Bennie, Nellie, Esequiel, Julian, Poli and Jose, her daughter Crucita “Crucy” Olivares and, recently, her granddaughter Sonya and great granddaughter Lorena. She is survived by her siblings, Chris and Flora, her children Linda, Pauline, Rachel, Alfonso Jr., Irene and Karen, 28 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren.
Services will take place on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N 24th St, in Phoenix. Visitation begins at 9:30am and the Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:30 AM. Burial to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N 48th St., in Phoenix.
For those who cannot attend, services will be live and available via https://www.facebook.com/stagnesphx/live
Annette Ortiz
Auntie Mellie ,
you will be missed by so many. I will carry you in my heart on this earth always by the memories of your voice, singing, laughing and always having Jesus in your ❤ until i see you again. I Love you. your niece. Annette
Alyssa Medina
Aunt Mellie,
You are missed by so many already! My heart knows that you are in paradise and with the rest of our loved ones. I miss you and think of you often. To be so close and yet so far from you only makes it hurt worse. You are so kind, thoughtful, caring and loving to all those that cross your path. Thank you so much for loving all of us with everything you have. I love you!
Blanca ocegueda
Dear Nanie this your great granddaughter Blanca Rocio ocegueda I just want to say thank u for everything you thought me to be a good girl and for everything you did for us and for letting us live with u Nanie Te quiero mucho it sucks that your gone but we will see u soon Nanie ❤️
Edwina Tabares
Our prayers are with the family at this sad time. Mellie left many Great memories here with us in Albuquerque. She will be missed.
Lopez Family
John Ramirez
With a heavy heart, I pray for the eternal repose of one who was a woman of distinguished humanity.
In these moments of loss, words are useless. God rest her soul in peace and the angels to always be there with you!
Chris Chavez
My sister is at peace, she can run and laugh and sing to her heart’s content. Happy in eternity. I’m sad for me (and us) but glad for her. God is with you, sister. Enjoy, see you soon. My heart aches that I cannot be there.
Flora CHAVEZ
Florachavez I. WILL MISS MY SISTER SO VERY MUCH WE WOULD TALK ON THE PHONE FORE TIMES A DAY IT WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. SHE WOULD SEND ME. HER BLESSING LIKE SHE DID EVERYONE LOVE YOU SISTER
Gloria Contreras
On behalf of my mother Cindy Cruz, who was a very dear friend to Mellie, we are so very saddened to hear this news. Our prayers and thoughts are with your family. Unfortunately, my mother Cindy Cruz, is unable to attend the services as she is in the far stages of dementia and really can’t comprehend what’s going on in the world. May God bless your family. Rest In Peace.
Yolanda Chavez
I met you so many years ago as my best friends aunt. Little did we know we would become sister’s in law/family….I have pleasant memories of our visits to your house & the outings together while we were there…You instilled so much love into your family and you will always be missed…I loved your ‘good bye’ phrase “God is with you”. I can now say, you are with God.