Chon LaBrier

Chon LaBrier, known to most as “Tia Chon” was born December 20, 1928 to, and preceded in death by Pedro and Amalia Valdez.  She grew up in beautiful Ensenada, NM sheltered by her favorite view of The Brazos Peak.  She is also preceded in death by her husband, Robert LaBrier, her brothers Leo and Frank Valdez, sister-in-law Grace Valdez, nephews Freddie and Ralph Valdez and grand-niece Alicia Valdez. She is survived by her constant companion Daisy, sister-in-law Teofila Valdez, her nephews/nieces:  Vivian (Tom) Riechert, Leo Jr. (Theresa) Valdez, Valerie (Higinio) Martinez, Marvin (Jackie) Valdez, Matthew (daughter Martina)Valdez, Robbie(Karen) LaBrier, Leanne LaBrier (Stuart) and Shawn LaBrier (Bruce), many grand nephews/nieces, cousins, friends, neighbors & colleagues. 

Growing up in rural Ensenada, Chon developed a strong work ethic.  After graduating from High School she went on to get her Bachelor’s Degree of Education and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Highlands University.  She later obtained an Education Specialist Degree from NMSU.  She taught elementary school and later became County School Supervisor in Rio Arriba County School District.  She was the Elementary School Principal in Dulce, NM for 17 years.  She embraced and loved the people in Dulce.  They became family.  She taught in Venezuela the summer of 1965.  After she retired from the Dulce School System, she went to work for the Chama Valley Independent School District as the Instructional Coordinator for one year and the Assistant Superintendent for six more years.  She formally retired in 1987 but continued to serve on educational boards until recently.

In the mix of her education and career, Chon married Robert LaBrier and together they built a beautiful working ranch.  Widowed at the very young age of 51, she carried on the managing of the ranch herself, refusing to give up on the dream that her and Bob had worked so hard for.  It was not unusual for her to get home kicking off her high heels to put on her cowboy boots to get things done.

She served and was very involved in many committees, including but not limited to: Educational, Community, Political, Social and of course Religious organizations.  Though she was very passionate about all of her work and her “Wall of Accomplishments” is filled with awards, honors and recognition, she would count her greatest accomplishments as the beautiful relationships she built with all who knew her - giving God the glory in all things.

Chon was brave and adventurous.  She loved to travel, go to the casino, shop, give, help and teach.  We all learned much from her and will miss her greatly. 

Many thanks to her neighbors, family and friends, who checked on her daily, prayed with her, loved on her, helped her fix things, made her breakfast and brought her favorite foods.  She loved you all and always bragged of your kindness. 

Special thanks to those who cared for Tia Chon in the last couple of years:  Frances Elliot, Mia Zamora, the Staff from Ambercare and especially Laverne Martinez  and Frieda Martinez who were with her day in and day out for the last few months until she went home to be with her Savior on November 30, 2021. 

Public visitation for Chon will be on Thursday, December 09, 2021 at Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola from 12PM-5PM.

Services for Chon will be in Los Ojos at the San Jose Parish on Friday, December 10, 2021. Holy Rosary will be prayed at 10AM, followed by the Eulogy.  Mass of Christian rite will follow at 11AM- reception to follow Mass.

Internment will take place at the Santa Fe National Cemetery on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 10:30AM along with a committal service.