Josefina Chavez

1932 - 2020

LEIPSIC — Josefina "Fina" (Castillo) Chavez, 88, of Leipsic, Ohio, was called home to eternal rest at 3:38 a.m. Friday, December 26, 2020 at Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima due to complications from the Covid-19 virus.

She was born February 15, 1932 in Doctor Arroyo Nuevo Leon, Mexico to the late Genaro Sr. and Eduvijes (Hernandez) Castillo. On September 1, 1954 she married Pedro G. Chavez and together they were blessed with 64 years of a beautiful loving marriage before Pedro passed away on September 6, 2018.

To celebrate the wonderful life she lived, Fina leaves behind two daughters, Rosaura (Esmael) Hernandez of Leipsic, Ohio, Perla (Steve) Chavez of Pandora, Ohio; a son Pedro Chavez Jr. of Alto, Georgia; four granddaughters Belyna (Rolando) Rodriguez, Priscilla (Destine) Baney, Katrina (Juan) Perez and Shannon Baney; two grandsons, Adrian Chavez and Emilio (Sulema) Calderón; Twenty-two great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; brothers Leopoldo (Ofelia) Castillo, and Lauro (Esperanza) Castillo.

Fina was preceeded in death by her oldest daughter Mrythala (Emiliano) Calderon; two grandsons Leroy Chavez and Bernardo Rincón; a great-great granddaughter Maya Marie Schroeder; brothers Francisco (Esperanza) Castillo, Genaro (Emelia) Castillo, Juventino (Eva) Castillo, Alberto (Julia) Castillo and a sister Rosario (Alcadio) Castillo de Muñoz.

Fina was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Leipsic, Ohio and a member of the Guadelupe Society and Red Hat Society as well. She was a dedicated wife and homemaker but also enjoyed working outside the home and was employed by various companies throughout her lifetime: Hirzel Canning, Tem-Cole, Libby's, Deshler Paints, Putnam Acres, ProTec Cleaning, as well as a seasonal field laborer.

Fina was lovingly called "Mapina" (Mah-pee- nuh) by all who were loved by her; her grandchildren, their friends, and then their children and their friends. If someone in the community heard the name Mapina, they knew it was Mrs. Chavez. She was the rock to the Chavez family, everyone knew she was in charge, even our Papa. Mapina was a devoted mother figure to all of us; she was very caring and loved us all unconditionally with her whole heart. She was our comfort during the storms of life, our supportive cheerleader during life's greatest challenges, she was unselfish and giving in our times of need, and most importantly she was hands down the greatest cocinera (cook) for all our bottomless pits. Strong in her faith, she prayed the rosary nightly for everyone in the family and often times she would pray another rosary for anyone else who needed prayers. If she knew you or anyone in your family was in need of prayer, you can bet Mapina had you covered. We all knew without a doubt we were all covered by Mapina's prayers.

Mapina enjoyed arts and crafts, gardening, canning, bird watching, cooking, and watching novelas. She also loved to sew and embroider, reupholster furniture, but most of all she enjoyed having her family around her. She lived for her family and we all loved her so much. We feel blessed and are thankful for the love she has given to each of us. Those who loved her, lost so much at her passing. Yet gained so much from her living.

Our Mapina was one of a kind and living in this world without her is unimaginable, we have comfort in knowing that her and our Papa are together again. Together they were exemplary models in having a loving marriage, unwavering faith in God, and loyalty to family. Their most cherished gifts to us.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Leipsic with Father Bill Pifher officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In keeping with the social distancing guidelines, a visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic, and one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com