Maria Candelaria Esparza de Chavez was born to Anastacio Esparza Arambula and Josefa Corral de Esparza Leon on May 24, 1920, in Los Corrales, Durango, Dgo., Mexico. Candelaria, affectionately known as Cande, lived her entire adult life in Stockton, California, from 1946 until her death on June 14, 2018, where she was surrounded by all of her family. Candelaria married Zacarias Unzueta Chavez, the love of her life, on March 3, 1946, and were married 61 years until his death in 2007. Candelaria is survived by her 9 children: Josephine Gonzalez (Leopoldo), Miguel Chavez (Constance), Maria Dora Basso (Lawrence), Melba Gastello (Jonathan), Zacarias Chavez, Jr., (Lupe), Bianca Walker (Dale), David Chavez (Elaine), Noel Chavez (Shawn), and Adam Chavez (Anita). She also leaves behind 29 grandchildren, plus 2 preceded in death; 53 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Candelaria was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a faithful servant for 46 years. Her love for her God Jehovah was beyond measure, yet it was reflected in the love she had in sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom to all who would listen and in her loving and respectful treatment of others. She looked forward to the day when Jehovah’s son, Jesus Christ, would call out to those in the memorial tombs to a resurrection of life (John 5:25-29). She also will be remembered for her beautiful singing voice, duets she sang with her husband, the deep love she had for her family, her beautiful large blue/green eyes, her love of fashion, gentle touch, and an open door to those who were hungry, which included the neighborhood children.
