February 24, 1931 – September 2, 2011
Marystella Chavez, 80, retired from Hewlett-Packard, a distinguished member of the College of Regents with the Women of the Moose and a member of the Woman’s Auxiliary for the American Legion, passed away on September 2, 2011 in Salem, Oregon. She lived with her husband of 62 years, Reducindo “Red” Chavez, at Marion Estates in Sublimity, Oregon.
Stella was born in New Mexico to Adolfo and Tomacita Maes. She attended Las Vegas High School and moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1953 where she raised five children.
She is survived by two brothers, five sisters, four children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Brothers: Aldofo “Sunny” Maes and Robert “Bobby” Maes
Sisters: Shirley Barila, Mary Hernandez, Virginia “Vergie” Maes, Patricia “Patsy” Maes, Lucile “Lucy” Maes
Daughter: Hazel Eckhardt,
Sons: Jacob Chavez, Edwin Chavez and Thomas Chavez
Grandchildren: Jennifer Osuna (Angel Face), Mark Eckhardt (Precious), Brian Chavez (Prince), Jaclyn Chavez (Princess), Maximo Chavez (Mi Corazón ) and Alexander Chavez (Mi Amor)
Great-grandchildren: Alexis Eckhardt, Madeline Yzaguirre, Matthew Osuna, Kate and Norah Clark
Her first son Richard Chavez passed away in 1996.
We Remember:
Family: After I was married, Mom kept bugging me for a grandchild. Every time I saw her, “When are you going to get pregnant?” Mom was so desperate, not just for a grandchild, but for a GIRL grandchild that she promised Ken that she would get drunk (something she never did) if we fulfilled her wish. When Jennifer finally arrived, she was so happy. That was the day Mom acted like she’d just won the lottery. And she did! Hazel
Pride: My Mom attended every baseball game. My uniform was always cleaned, pressed and if needed, the holes were mended to perfection – a testament to my Mom’s incredible sewing skills and love for her boys. -Jake
Responsibility: When I was 12 years old we were on a family vacation at the Royal Gorge in Colorado. About 30 miles after we left I realized that I forgot my wallet back at the gift shop. It had all my money in it that I was saving up for Disneyland…a whopping $12.00. My Mom made my Dad turn the car around and we drove all the way back while I got a lecture about responsibility. -Edwin
Honesty: Mom came into the front room and caught me and my girlfriend in a compromising position on the floor. She got really upset and after she calmed down I told her, “Hey Mom, at least you now know for sure I’m not gay!” Tom
Marystella was an amazing woman who always had a story to share, a hug to give and a hand to help. As the matriarch of the Maes/Chavez family, her presence will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Mom is now home with Our Lord, Jesus Christ where he welcomed her into the halls of the heavenly banquet. We are all comforted to know that she is surrounded by those who passed before her and dancing in the arms of her son Richard.
Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Stayton, OR.
