Rosemarie Chiavini

Rosemarie Chiavini died peacefully in Rocklin, California on October 12, 2024 at the age of 90. The grandniece of 19th century California pioneers, she was born in Walnut Creek, California on December 27, 1933. Her father, Reuben Freitas, was the son of Francisco Freitas, a Portuguese immigrant from the Azorean island of Flores and the foreman of the McGarry ranch in Cordelia, California from the late 19th century until 1913. Rosemarie's mother, Mary Luis, immigrated to the United States from the Azorean island of Sao Jorge and settled in Walnut Creek. Rosemarie grew up in a multicultural household with Azorean farming and ranching relatives spanning from Stanislaus to Sonoma Counties in Northern California; the family history holds that her ancestors from the Azores were among the first to graze sheep in the Yosemite Valley.

At the age of 13, she was chosen to represent the Azorean community of Contra Costa County as the Queen of the Holy Ghost festival, the most important cultural festival in the Portuguese community. She attended Walnut Creek schools and graduated from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California in 1952. Her beloved older brother Pat introduced his best friend, Bruno Chiavini, to Rosemarie in the late 1940s. Bruno became the love of her life, and they were married on August 30,1953 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Walnut Creek with hundreds of guests in attendance. She continued to work as an executive secretary to the President of Tidewater Oil Company until the arrival of her children, Paul, Deanna, and Lisa in the 1960's.

Bruno was a respected and beloved teacher and administrator in the Walnut Creek School District for over 35 years. During this time, Rosemarie was active in the social circles emanating from the educational communities in Contra Costa County, the Bonnie Brae Swim Team in Lafayette, and Christ the King Catholic Church in Pleasant Hill. She and Bruno hosted many parties at their home in Lafayette for these groups, and she was an active volunteer for Catholic Charities and local schools.

After Bruno passed unexpectedly in early 1993, she continued to associate with many of the friends she had made throughout her life in Bay Area. She was closely involved in the lives of all three granddaughters, and in 2006 relocated from Lafayette to Rocklin, California to be closer to family in the greater Sacramento area and Reno. She resided just blocks from her daughter Deanna, son-in-law Mike, granddaughter Natalie and quickly became an active member of the local community, attending swim meets, school functions, and block parties.

In 2016, she made the decision to move into Sunrise Senior Living in Rocklin. Rosemarie quickly made many new friends and was known by the staff as a character who cracked blistering jokes despite challenging personal circumstances, such as the stroke she suffered in early 2022. Her wit and strong sense of humor were a mainstay of her character. Even with numerous physical challenges, she felt strongly about maintaining her independence and enjoyed visits with family and friends until her final days, continuing to cheer for Notre Dame football, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a godmother to many, and an honorary mother and grandmother as well. She had a strong love for animals, especially dogs and cats. She was a faithful member of Saints Peter and Paul parish in Rocklin and attended mass just days before she joined her Lord.

Rosemarie is survived by son Paul Chiavini and his wife Margaret of Reno, Nevada; daughter Deanna Hogenboom and her husband Mike of Rocklin, California; daughter Lisa Dadgar and her husband Mo of Concord, California; granddaughter Madeline Wick and her husband John of New York City; granddaughter Sofia Chiavini of Reno, Nevada; granddaughter Natalie Hogenboom of Rocklin, California; great-grand daughter Elizabeth Wick of New York City; and great-grandson George Wick of New York City. She was also a godmother to many, as well as a devoted aunt, cousin, and friend to countless individuals she touched throughout her life. Our family is grateful to Sunrise Senior Living and Suncrest Hospice for providing loving care.

A funeral service and burial will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery located at 1965 Reliez Valley Road in Lafayette, California on Monday, November 25, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Capuchin Franciscans Western Province in Burlingame, the Placer County SPCA, or Save Mt. Diablo.