Mary Louise Chavez

Mary L. Chavez, a lifelong resident of Colton, Calif., passed away on Oct. 19, 2022, at her home with her family by her side. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who volunteered with numerous community groups and worked for more than 30 years at the former Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino. She was 81.

She is survived by her children, Fred G. Chavez of Colton; Ken Chavez of Palm Springs; Carrie Silva of Grand Terrace; and Jaclyn Herrera of San Bernardino. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her husband of 59 years, Fred C. Chavez, died in 2021.

Mary was born on February 11, 1941 at San Bernardino County Hospital. She was raised in South Colton and, after graduating from Colton High School in 1959, she enrolled in a business school for secretarial training. She subsequently secured an administrative position at Norton AFB and worked there for 32 years, helping supply film clips of Air Force planes to television producers in Los Angeles and elsewhere. After retiring from Norton, Mary worked for the Sinfonia Mexicana in San Bernardino for 10 years. She also served on the organization’s board of directors.

For many years, Mary served on the boards of various Parent-Teacher Association chapters within the Colton Joint Unified School District. She was appointed to a seat on the district’s Board of Education in October 1980 and served until November 1981.

At San Salvador Catholic Church in Colton, where she and husband Fred were married in 1961, Mary served as a lecturer and volunteered for several years to help produce the church’s annual fiesta. Mary was also a member of the Colton chapter of Kiwanis International. She and Fred were active leaders of Ken Hubbs Little League when their sons were playing ball.

All services for Mary will be held November 9, 2022, at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 E. Washington St., in Colton, Calif., 92324. Visitation will take place from 8:30 am to 10 am in the Valley View Chapel, followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at 11:30 am.