Marina Elise (Chavez) Whelan

Our beautiful wife, mother, friend and constant companion, Marina Elise (Chavez) Whelan, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. Marina was born on April 24, 1951, in Fresno, CA, to Mike and Sally Chavez. She will be missed more than words can express.

Marina was a woman who lived for others with a smile only surpassed by the size of her heart. She devoted her time to many remarkable organizations, including the Candlelight Guild, Exceptional Parents Unlimited, Junior League of Fresno, San Joaquin Valley Town Hall, Assistance League and many other charitable causes.

Marina attended Fresno High School and graduated in 1969. One of Marina's great joys was keeping her classmates together for reunions and throughout the year. Marina also thoroughly enjoyed meeting with her Bible and book clubs.

The family would like to thank the first responders, as well as the caregivers at both Saint Agnes Medical Center; and Fresno Community Medical Center.

She is survived by her husband Vin; her daughter and son, Riana and Taylor; her brother and his wife, Michael and Vicky Chavez, and their daughters, Sarah and Amy; her sister and her sister's husband, Sally and Steve Langton, and their daughter and son, Marni and Dylan.

VisItation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Thursday, November 5, 2015, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on Friday, November 6, 2015, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Marina by donating to the Candlelight Guild; or to Exceptional Parents Unlimited. These charities are very close to Marina's heart as she was a past president of the Candlelight Guild, and served on the board of Exceptional Parents Unlimited.