Chanel "Channie" Cabunoc Garcia

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” - Mary Oliver

This was one of her favorite quotes and describes Chanel’s spirit well. In her short 26 years, she’s had a wild adventure here on Earth. Chanel touched and inspired the hearts of many to live their best and most authentic life. On Friday June 4th, she embarked upon a new adventure beyond the physical world to return to the great mystery. Wolf and Wilderness Woman, singer-songwriter, artist, and arguably one of the kindest badasses in Newport. If you knew her, you knew she was fascinated by animals, nature, music, motorcycles, and coffee. She was the most loving, compassionate, and bravest soul.

She was born on the beautiful island of Kauai and spent her early childhood on Maui. She spent a year in the Philippines before moving to Orange County in California for high school and continuing education. She lived happily in Newport Coast and Costa Mesa for the last decade. She was studying to become a wilderness park ranger and yearned to be in the wild. Chanel managed Balboa Lily’s Cafe and called it her second home. She was a favorite dog sitter and walker to several families in Newport and Costa Mesa. Most days you would find her at her favorite cafes, hiking and camping in the mountains, taking early morning dips in the ocean, playing ukulele and guitar, and spending time with her beloved canines and two-legged friends. She was in love with life, obsessed with plants, all animals, adventure, and travel. She had traveled to Japan and England, and dreamed of visiting Morocco. She wanted to learn about everything, recently including how to pilot a plane and firearm safety. She enjoyed all things that explored the potential of human expression and what brought her joy.

Her surviving family includes parents Maria Rowena Cabunoc and John Garcia, siblings Dion, Gabrielle, and Pia Garcia. It’s impossible to count how many people Chanel’s light reached. She not only impacted her close loved ones and friends, but an entire community of people who are forever changed by her love and compassion.

She’s empowered so many people to aspire to a higher vision of love, honor, integrity, and authenticity. She challenged the status quo and proudly advocated the pursuit of unleashing the wilderness within. Those who knew Chanel are forever changed and humbled to have witnessed her unique grace and greatness. The earth mourns the loss of a special and potent woman, and will never be the same without her.

Chanel’s Celebration of Life will be held at Dignity Mortuary in Costa Mesa for close friends and family with a memorial service and Catholic Mass.

Condolences may be sent to: PO BOX 1615 Kapaau, HI 96755

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant a tree to honor her love for nature and the devotion to protect wildlife.

To Plant Memorial Trees in protected National Forests in her memory, please visit ALivingTribute.org