Martha Marie Chavez

Stockton, CA

July 2, 1924 - June 13, 2006

Martha passed away into the hands of our Lord on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 in Stockton, CA with her daughters at her side. She was of French Decent. She was born in Mora, NM, married her childhood sweetheart Gilbert, and moved to California where she spent most of her life (1940's - 1980's) being a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother and great-grandmother. Martha was a creative person who spoke Spanish, French and English. She loved art, playing the piano, and most importantly, loved her family, friends, and helping people. Martha retired from AT& T after 25 years of service. Mom you taught us by example the importance of faith, truth to the character, laughter to the heart, and beauty to the soul. You will be missed and always in our hearts. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Gilbert; her son, Gibby; her beloved parents, Peter and Marthe Balland; siblings, Louie Balland, Marcella Caranta, Tati Strong and Guigette Maes. She is survived by her brother, Pete Balland of Phoenix, AZ; her daughters, Irene Clark and husband and Jeanne Moghadam and husband; her grandchildren, Marci Steigerwald, Craig Clark, Kerry Burke, Casey Chavez; stepson, Ramtin Moghadam; great-grandchildren, Justin Sampson, Gabrielle and Liam Steigerwald, Noah and Madeline Burke, Lucas Palma and other family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Vigil Service at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California Street, on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Cathedral of the Annunciation, Rose and Van Buren Streets, on Thursday, June 22, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at the chapel on Tuesday, June 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, June 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Committal at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery.

This obituary was originally published in the Stockton Record.