Florinda Chavez Encinias

Florinda Chavez Encinias was born on April 26, 1926 to Manuel and Teodorita Chavez in Galisteo, New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 43 1/2 years, Segundo Encinias; her sons, Frank, Pete and Martin; grandson, Michael Ray Encinias; son-in-laws, Bobby Gonzales and Frankie Romero; and stepchildren, Amadeo Encinias; Clora Lopez; and, Lizardo Encinias. She leaves behind her children, Raymond (Carmen) Encinias; Adan (Dollie) Encinias; Speedy (Karen) Encinias; Henrietta (Joe) Garcia; Erma Gonzales, Lucy ( Anthony) Orio; Elena (Larry) Irvin; Dorothy Juanita (Jim) Pachta; and Tomasita Encinias; and her daughters-in-laws, Lucille Encinias and Lisa Encinias ; and her sister, Celina Encinias. She also leaves behind countless grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and primos. In her younger years, she enjoyed watching her father tend to the sheep and cattle for The Patron, Don Jose Ortiz y Pino as her father was the Mayordomo at the ranch. Her mother was in charge of cooking three meals a day and washing clothes for the men that would come and work during the shearing season, and Florinda was right beside her helping out. As hard as her parents tried to keep her away from these men, she would sneak away to get a glimpse of them through the window, only to get in trouble. First and foremost, Florinda was a very faithful woman of Christ. Florinda was a devout Catholic and a strong believer in God and the saints, and prayed the rosary on a daily basis. The power of prayer was the answer to many problems her and her family were faced with. She overcame extremely difficult challenges and heartache throughout her life with dignity, grace, strength, determination and faith in God. Florinda was a very beautiful lady, inside and out, and no one was a stranger to her. If someone didn't speak to her, she would respectfully introduce herself, and would remind them to speak to her next time because she might forget their names. Florinda would offer a stranger food from her table or her last dollar. She would open her home to anyone in need. Florinda's life could easily be described in The Beatitudes. Despite the age gap of 24 years between Florinda and Segundo, she loved and respected him with all her being. He truly was the love of her life. She always shared how jealous Segundo was, and how she played into his jealousy. She would dance with men and he would cut in and pull them away from her while dancing and he would continue dancing with her. He would tell her, "You are going to marry me", but she adamantly would tell him, "No, I'm not". Well, as usual, he got his way. Florinda and Segundo we're married on July 13, 1946, and quicky started their family of 12 in 1947 when their eldest, Frank Encinias, was born. Segundo and Florinda spent the first 8 years of their marriage living at the ranch near Aurora, New Mexico. They later purchased the property where her home is now situated. They moved to Moriarty in 1955. Even though she was raising her children, with her mother's help, Florinda worked as a dishwasher at El Comedor and Blackies, alot of times while pregnant. She later worked as a cook at the Moriarty Schools where they made all the meals fresh and by scratch. Florinda made a lot of lifelong friends while working at the schools, from students to coworkers and was very proud that she made a difference in their lives. To this day, those that are still alive remember those days and her for her generosity at the food line. Florinda was a very hard worker and instilled that work ethic onto her children and grandchildren. Florinda and Segundo taught their children to work at a very young age. As she would remind her children, that minutes after they were born, she ordered their social security cards so they could start working. Florinda was a very simple woman with the biggest heart ever. Her house was very simple where she raised her children, she raised them not in riches, but raised them with love. She loved her children and grandchildren and always there to lend a hand, an ear or shoulder to cry on. You would never leave her house without being fed. She always had fresh tortillas, butter and green chili, and cookies on the table for her children, grandchildren and all of their friends from school, visitors, and neighborhood children. Florinda enjoyed Sunday breakfasts and holidays when all her children and grandchildren would gather in her tiny house. She didn't care if we were squished like sardines in every inch of her house. She always made the room. Florinda would be the first to say that her biggest accomplishment was raising her children. Her favorite saying, "I raised them from the same pot of beans and the same spoon", I have no favorites." Some would beg to differ, because each of them think they were her favorite. Florinda would say her and Segundo raised their children without asking for little to no help from others. She lived a long and happy life,however, endured hardships. She was the life of the party with her sense of humor. Up until the time of her death she was cracking a joke, wanting to find a boyfriend or Sancho, and sharing memories of her life as a daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. It was very apparent she made an impact on those she came in contact with. In her humble way, she expressed that with her warm hugs and beautiful smile. Her beautiful green eyes would light up a room. Florinda touched many lives in our community and was loved by all. A rosary will be held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 7:00pm. Viewing at 10:00 am and Funeral Mass at 11:00am on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Moriarty, NM. Pallbearers will be Caleb Encinias, Renita Encinias, Charlie Encinias, Gabriel Romero, Tristan Encinias, Leroy Encinias, Anthony Orio, Peter Lucero, Corey Plant and Manuel Chavez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Grandchildren and Godchildren.