Beatrice "Bea" Salamanca Chavez

June 8, 1942 – September 8, 2012

A Brief Biography

Born in La Union, New Mexico on June 8, 1942, Beatrice Chavez later became known by her friends and family as “Bea.” She was a hard working individual. After graduating from Delano High School, she proceeded through nursing school successfully and later worked for the Rodrigo-Terronez Clinic in 1973. As she desired to provide well for her family, she worked in other places including JC Penny’s and the Delano Emergency Room; she also worked under Dr. Rosic, the Delano Surgical Group, and Dr. Shields. During the last years of her life she managed a local apartment complex.

Ms. Chavez is survived by three siblings, residing in three different cities of California and four children, all residing in Delano, California:

John Salamanca, Paso Robles, California (Brother)

Connie Morris, Lancaster, California (Sister)

Maria Estopellan, Arvin, California (Sister)

Felicia Gorospe (Daughter)

Todd Flores (Son)

Beatrice Velez (Daughter)

Cissy Chavez (Daughter)

She is also survived by 11 grandchildren:

Vijee Diaz Rebecca Gorospe

Ilyzar Flores Jose Luis Medrano

Crystal Gin Vidal Velez

Luis Velez Jose Velez

Melanie Medrano Xavier Medrano

Antonio Medrano

Furthmore, God had blessed her with 19 great-grandchildren.

Many would say that Bea was a “trooper.” It was a fearful situation when she was diagnosed with cancer, but she bravely battled with this illness as she went through a lifestyle full of medication, chemotherapy, radiation, and so many other doctor’s visits. She was taken care of by many medical professionals and family members when the illness took its toll on her health and strength. But God was there through it all and He had a reason and a plan. It was during the last few months of her life that she came to know God in the most amazing way. Through this long battle with such a difficult illness as cancer, she came to know a tremendous peace that came from her decision to put her faith in Jesus Christ. Through this testimony of faith, we know that she is now truly “resting in peace.”