Sandra L. Chaves' Obituary
Our mother, Sandy Chaves passed away on Nov, 15th 2021 at home with her family.
Preceded in death by our father and her husband Donald “Duke” Chaves who passed away in 1973.
Sandy is survived by her daughter Cynthia Giuliano, son-in-law Anthony Giuliano, and her son, Donald “Duke” Chaves. Her beloved grandchildren, Alexis Chaves, AJ Giuliano, Cassandra Giuliano, Dominic Giuliano and Great Grandchildren Angelo Ortiz and Aleena Ortiz. Sandy’s grandchildren meant the world to her. She would always be available to babysit and help in any way that she could.
As a single parent our mother did everything for us. Despite a full-time job she always made time for Dukes hockey games and to drive him to hot spots like Fresno and Visalia for games. Many times, she white knuckled it driving in the heavy tule fog. She always made sure I got to the ice rink for my practices at 4:30 in the morning and on time for all my competitions.
Our mother Sandy never remarried and put us and her grandchildren before herself and her own health.
As a family we enjoyed many trips to South Lake Tahoe, and Hawaii. Mom’s favorite thing to do was to go gambling and play the slot machines.
Mom started working at Superior Tile in Oakland in 1976 and then went to Inter Tile in San Jose. Eventually came back to Superior Tile and retired in Oct. 2008. Mom was devoted employee and worked many long hours and worked for the company for 32 years. After mom retired, she began to have health issues. She had bouts with breast cancer and kidney cancer, and then started having problems walking and moving around. In Sept of this year shortly after her 81st birthday we were informed cancer had come back and this time she just wasn’t strong enough to fight the cancer.
In lieu of flowers the family would like you to donate to your favorite charity in Sandy’s memory
What’s your fondest memory of Sandra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sandra?
Share a story where Sandra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sandra you’ll never forget.
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