CHAVEZ, Deana Mae
The family and loved ones of Deana Mae (Collingridge) Chavez, sadly announces that Deana passed away on October 27, 2013. Deana, the daughter of Heather & John Collingridge of Vernon, passed away due to complications from a tragic auto accident in New Westminster on October 2nd. She was born in Vernon, January 14 1978, and was a vibrant part of that community. She graduated from Mission Hill Elementary School, Clarence Fulton Secondary School, Toronto Conservatory of Music, and the early morning LDS Seminary program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Deana attended her post-secondary education at Brigham Young University, University of Iowa, and the University of British Columbia. After completing her Bachelor's degree in Arts, Deana returned to the valley to pursue a career as a Paramedic with the BC Ambulance Service. She graduated at the top of her class and worked in both the Vernon and Lumby stations. In 2011, she moved to New Westminster, and worked in the Vancouver Region at several stations in that area. Deana loved being a Paramedic and was very devoted to her work. Deana was predeceased by her mother, Jantina Petronella, in October of 1992. She leaves behind her parents, John and Heather, and many siblings from her large family: Michael (Debbie) of Michigan, Glenn (Donna) of Abbotsford, Robert (Tomoko) of Airdrie, Dawn (Stan) of Maple Ridge, David (Jayna) of Utah, Karen (Gerard) of Utah, Tobi (Adam) of California, Sheryl (Steve) of California, Jason (Emma) of Comox, Daniel (Courtney) of Utah, and Alexandra (Ryan) of Red Deer. Deana was the proud Aunt to fifty-one of her sibling's children. Deana also leaves behind Miguel Chavez and Andrew Jeremy (AJ) Garnett. We will miss the sound of Deana's voice, her inviting smile, her deep reflections, her strong convictions, and her humble spirit. Deana was a very creative person her specialty being cakes and cupcakes. She has touched our lives deeply and will always be felt in our hearts as we give thought to a wonderful companion, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Funeral Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1506 35 Ave, Saturday November 9th at 11:00 AM, after which she will be buried in the family plot with her mother at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Burial services by Alternatives of Armstrong. Deana was an organ donor and continued to help people even after death.