OBITUARY FOR SANTIAGO R. CHAVEZ

Santiago was born in Guanajuato, Mexico on May 1, 1928 and went to his forever home, in heaven, on October 16, 2024. He was one of eight children born to Apolinar and Irene Chavez. As a young man he met and fell in love with Delia Villanueva whom he married in November 1950.
He came to Santa Paula with the bracero program around 1957. Then moved his family to Santa Paula in 1961. He worked in the fields picking oranges, lemons, avocados and other fruits and vegetables. He worked many other jobs; night watchman, ranch foreman, and as grounds keeper along with other jobs to continue to support his family.
Along with always providing for his family Santiago was a committed loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He never played favorites with his children or grandchildren but saw the uniqueness in each and everyone of his loved ones. All of his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren were important to him. He loved playing and joking with all of them. About two months ago during one of his many hospital stays he commented to me that he liked being in the hospital because family would visit him and he enjoyed spending one-on- one time with each and every one of them. He was always happiest when loved ones were around him!
Santiago saw the importance of religion in his life and making sure that every one of his family was exposed and saw his faith to the Eucharist in everything he did. He was a Cursillista to the core. He was involved with the Cursillo movement for over fifty years. As a member of the Santo Nombre here at Our Lady of Guadalupe always faithfully attending and participating in all things of the parish. He was also a member of the Guadalupanas, taught religious education for many-many years. He was always available to chauffeur the priests and nuns to functions and activities throughout Southern California. After he retired he would began each day by attending and assisting the priests at Mass as an Altar server and or as a Eucharistic Minister.
Santiago lived life to its fullest. When he came home after his last hospital stay, about twelve hours before he took his last breath he wanted to sit up, so I helped him sit up and he looked around the room and saw that room was full of people; his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were there. That made him smile, his whole face just lit up. Mom asked him who she was and he said "my star". Then he looked around the room again at everyone and saw Lisa, his first grandchild, and waived at her and said "hi Lisa".  Then I helped him back to bed and the room was full of love for him.
He will always be in our hearts and in our lives!