Imelda Chavez, 83, of Lompoc, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2012 surrounded by her loving family by her side at the Lompoc Comprehensive Care Center.

She was born on September 8, 1928 in Jamaica, Michoacan Mexico, daughter of Amalia Ortiz and Froilan Chavez. This is where she met her love of her life, Francisco and wed in 1946.

Imelda first moved to Lompoc in 1968 from Morelia, Mich. Mexico and then later returned to Mexico in 1972. After the death of her beloved husband Francisco, she moved back to Lompoc in 1993 where she was a homemaker. She enjoyed crocheting, listening to religious music and reminiscing fond memories of growing up and raising her family in her beloved city of Morelia. She had a remarkable memory and talent for telling stories about her childhood and spending time with family in Mexico. She was so precise with dates, places and details when she recalled her lifetime memories of her life and family. She had tremendous strength and courage during her recent illness. Her religious beliefs allowed her to battle cancer with grace.

She was a parishioner of La Purisima Catholic Church and enjoyed making new friends. Imelda was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Imelda is survived by her four sons, Froilan (Osiris) Chavez of Morelia, Mexico, Armando (Rosie) Chavez of Lompoc; Carlos Chavez of Morelia, Mexico; Juan (Maria del Carmen) Chavez of Morelia, Mexico and one daughter, Elva (Jose) Munoz of Lompoc; 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Imelda was preceded in death by her parents, Amalia Ortiz and Froilan Chavez; husband of 53 years, Francisco Chavez, and grandson, Francisco (Pancho) Chavez Magana.

A special thank you to all who loved and supported her; to all the wonderful staff at the Comprehensive Care Center. Also to Dr. Guerra; all the nurses at the Lompoc Health Clinic; Lompoc Valley Medical Staff; and to Dr. Kamal and staff; and Sansum Clinic, Solvang medical staff. We are also very appreciative of the loving care she received by her caregiver, Mrs. Juanita Contreras.

Visitation hours will be at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 4-8 p.m. with recital of the Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 3495 Rucker Road, Lompoc with Celebrant Rev. Lawrence Santos. Burial will follow at Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery.

May you now rest in Eternal Peace.