Evelia S. Nava, age 23, passed away Sept 11, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Evelia was born in Santa Barbara to two loving parents Francisco and Luisa Nava; then raised in Lompoc since 3 years old. Evelia attended La Canada Elementary School until the third grade and then graduated from La Purisima Concepcion Catholic School in 2000. She graduated from Lompoc High School 2004, where she participated in Madrigals, Mixed Choir, Dance Line and also performing arts where she was in musicals such as Little Shop of Horrors and Into the Woods. Currently she was attending Santa Barbara Business College (SBBC). Evelia worked at SBBC, Santa Maria Campus where she was a Financial Aid Associate. She loved to help the students out.

Evelia had a talent and passion for music. She started playing her little tambourine at age three; then sang her first solo during her First Communion Mass. She was a very active member in the Spanish and English choirs at La Purisima Catholic Church where she either cantored, directed or played guitar. She also, directed, cantored and/or played guitar with the special events choir during Easter and Christmas seasons.

Evelia was a very active member at La Purisima Catholic Church, besides her passion for music, she was also involved in being an altar server, a proclaimer of the Word, preached and did music ministry at the Evangelization Retreats and also participated in liturgical dance.

Evelia was a very loving and caring person for all who knew her. She never missed birthdays, and always sent e-cards to her friends, family and friends from work. When Evelia could get away she loved going to Disneyland with friends and family. Now she will be at the Happiest Place in Heaven. She will truly be missed but always remembered thru her wonderful talents that God gave her and never ashamed to live out her Faith in God.

Evelia is survived by her mother & father, Luisa and Francisco Nava, brother Erubey (Alma) Nava , sister Veronica (Martin) Huizar and eight nieces and nephews: Joshua, Victoriana, Yessica, Athena, Alyssa, Mateo, Matias and Gabriela (whom she referred to as "my children").

The visitation will be Wednesday, September 16, from 6-8pm with the evening vigil at 7pm at La Purisima Catholic Church. Father Tom Cook will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, September 17, at 10am at the church. Interment will follow in the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. The arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.