In Loving Memory of My Mama

Joanne Elaine Chavez

1969 – 2026

My mama, Joanne, was the heart of our family—the kind of woman whose love stretched far and wide, touching everyone lucky enough to know her. To me, she was simply Mama, and that word will always carry comfort, strength, and home.

She leaves behind a beautiful legacy: her four children, thirteen grandbabies, and one great-granddaughter—all of us shaped by her love in ways that will last forever. She was the kind of person who always put her family first, never thinking twice about giving of herself if it meant someone else would be okay. That was just who she was—selfless, steady, and full of love.

Mama had an easygoing spirit that made people feel instantly at ease. She was warm, welcoming, and genuine, the kind of person you could sit with and feel at home no matter where you were. People will always remember how she made them feel—seen, cared for, and loved.

She found joy in the simple and meaningful things. She loved being with her babies—her children, her grandbabies, her whole growing family. She loved trips to Hawaii, where laughter and memories came easy, and she had a special love for going to the casino, enjoying life in her own way.

One of my favorite memories of Mama shows just how strong she truly was. She was once afraid of swimming, but she didn't let that fear hold her back. I watched her face it, push through it, and transform. Not only did she learn to swim, but she became strong enough to swim with turtles, dolphins, and even sharks. That was Mama—braver than she realized, stronger than she knew, and always growing.

There is a space in our lives now that cannot be filled, but her love remains everywhere. It lives in each of us—in the way we care for one another, in the memories we share, and in the strength she passed down without even knowing it.

I will miss her every single day. But I will also carry her with me in everything I do. Her love, her kindness, her courage—they are all still here.

My mama, Joanne, will always be a part of me. And she will always be loved.