Esther (Mary) Chavez

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Esther better known to many as Mary Chavez. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Mary was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic, genuine, and loving. An excellent communicator, Mary was a master at using her compassion for helping others in such a loving way she seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who

knew her.

From the time she was born on October 15, 1945, in Hanford Ca., Mary showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Her parents were Celestino V Aguilar and Ruth D Aguilar. Esther was the 4th of 12 siblings that include Richard, Norma, Martha, Tino Jr., David, Louie, Danny, Chris, Sam, Jacob, and Gina. In 1959 at age of 14 the Aguilar family packed up their family and Mary's childhood and moved to Fresno, Ca where they rooted and raised the children. Because fellowship was so important to her, she promoted harmony with her siblings. Mary was something of the family nurturer. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly as best she could.

As a young girl, Mary interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Mary had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. She enjoyed helping her mother take care of her siblings. She was completely devoted to her family. Mary's memorable achievements included seeing her siblings become the individuals they

are today.

Mary was now entering young adulthood which included socializing more and meeting new people which one day happened to be a young man named Henry Chavez. On November 27, 1967, in front of a few friends and family Mary exchanged wedding vows with Henry Chavez at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cutler, Ca.

All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Mary was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Mary was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Mary was blessed with three, 3 daughters, Rebecca, Regina, and Valerie. She was also blessed with four grandchildren: Ashley, Christopher, Alexis, and Breanna.

Mary was comfortable and great at working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. Mary was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Mary could be a perfectionist at times but wasn't one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges as a wife, daughter, sister, mother, friend and in whatever she involved herself in at church.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Mary was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Mary took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were being actively involved in the church any way possible and hosting church and family gatherings.

Mary was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her.

She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a member of Harvey Millbrook that eventually turned into Cornerstone Church for over 40 years. During that time, she was involved in various activities that was asked of her such as Sunday School teacher, nursery, hosting bible studies with her husband either at home or at other homes and throughout Fresno County. Mary was able to even participate on a mission's trip with her husband to the

Philippines.

Mary possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included staying at the beach house in Oceano and having guests included during this time.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Mary accepted retirement and made the most of it.

In retirement, she found new pleasure in actively being involved in her grandchildren's lives.

Mary passed away on February 21, 2022, at Fresno Community Hospital in Fresno, Ca. Mary's body was very healthy and strong, but a Hemorrhagic Stroke was stronger. She is survived by daughters Rebecca and Valerie; her grandchildren Ashley, Christopher, Alexis, and Breanna: her brothers Richard, Louie, David, Danny, and Chris and her sisters Martha and Gina. Mary is preceded in death but also rejoicing together alongside her loving husband Henry, daughter Regina, mother, and father Tino and Ruth as well as her brothers Tino Jr, Sam, and Jacob.

Though she could be a private person at times, Mary was always able and willing to give of herself selflessly. She was so in tune with others that she made it so easy to confide in her whatever you were going through. Mary carried with her a Christ like approach sense of life throughout her days here. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used prayer in everything she did. A poetic, intuitive "teacher," Mary Chavez shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Mary for the strength of her convictions, the love of her family and friends, and especially the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 9:00 am at the Cornerstone Church and it will be followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Belmont Memorial Park.