Cecelia Garcia "CeCe" Chavez

Cecelia G. Chavez "CeCe" passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at the age of 98, with family and friends nearby. Born February 2, 1927, in San Rafael, New Mexico, to Lorenzo and Juanita Garcia, Cecelia was the second of ten children in a devoted, hard-working family. She grew up on a farm, later moving to Grand Junction, Colorado, where she married Joseph I. Chavez, a World War II veteran, on July 1, 1945. The newlyweds settled in Salt Lake City, Utah, that same year and, in 1996, retired to St. George, Utah. In 2022, CeCe moved back to Salt Lake City so she could be closer to family and receive additional care. Remarkably, she lived independently, and even drove, until she was 95.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Cecelia and Joe were long-time members of St. Patrick's Catholic Parish in Salt Lake City and later St. George Catholic Parish, where they volunteered regularly in service to others. Rooted in her Native American heritage, CeCe also cherished attending pow-wows, celebrating culture, family, and community.

She worked for many years at the VA Hospital in Environmental Services, retiring as a supervisor. She also gave her time generously: volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen in Salt Lake City, at the Senior Center in St. George, at local soup kitchens in St. George, and often driving other elders to errands and appointments. Above all, she was devoted to family. After the death of Joe's mother, CeCe and Joe adopted Joe's younger sisters, Loretta and Lisa, when they were very young and raised them as their daughters. Later, she brought her grandson, Damien Chavez, home from the NICU, became his legal guardian, and raised him as her son.

CeCe was "madrina," godmother in baptism to over 15 children. She served as a "madrina," maid-of-honor for more than a dozen couples including family and friends, reflecting the trust and affection she inspired across generations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph I. Chavez; and their sons: Stephen Chavez, Vernon I. Chavez, Mark E. Chavez, and Dennis J. Chavez; and siblings: Antonio (Tony) Garcia, Ciprianita (Elsie) Torres, Jose (Joe) Garcia, Christina Garcia, and Ernest (Ernie) Garcia. She is survived by her son, Damien Chavez; daughters: Loretta G. Buffano and Elsie (Lisa) O. Woodahl; grandchildren: Michael Chavez, Stefan Chavez, Tiffanee White, Jesika Chavez-England, and Matthew Chavez; brothers: Federico (Fred) Garcia, Abel (Abe) Garcia, Tiburcio (Tim) Garcia, and Eugene (Gene) Garcia; and a large extended family of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church, 259 West 200 North, St. George, Utah. Interment will follow at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Brighton House (assisted living) for their dedication and loving care.

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