Rena Chastain

1939 - 2025

Our beloved Rena/Nana/Mom has made her way home to God. If you have ever had the privilege to cross paths with her, you know that she was a true earth angel. Her heart was compassionate, kind, bold, and dedicated to God.

Rena was born in Okemah, Oklahoma, as Rena Elizabeth Dickey to Carlos and Myrtle Dickey on October 7, 1939. She came to the Napa Valley in 1950 and married Paul James Chastain Sr. in 1957. Together they had four children: Paul James Jr., Richard Allen, Danny Elvin, and Catherine Elizabeth. They gave her seven grandchildren, and eventually, those grandchildren gave her eleven great-grandchildren. Rena opened her arms to all, and our family grew not by blood but by love. She raised three generations of children and bestowed on them independence, family values, and the importance of faith. She is welcomed to heaven by her son Paul; sister and brother, Arlene and Dennis; husband, Paul; and grandsons, Chuckie and Brian.

Rena and Paul moved out to a lane in the country lined with blackberries in 1965. In the late summer, when the berries were ripe, you could find Rena in her sun hat, holding a basket, picking berries to be made into jam for her family. Rena worked for NVUSD from 1960-1974 and, in 1975, became the R.O.P. food teacher at Vintage High. She continued to nourish the hearts and souls of others until her passing. She was an active member of the Calvary Baptist Church. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. She leaves this world having made it a more loving place.

John 13:34-35

"...Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."

A graveside memorial service will be held at Tulocay Cemetery, August 29th at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Rena's beloved charities:

- St. Jude’s

- Wounded Warriors

- Doctors Without Borders Rena Chastain