Estelle Chavez Yob

Estelle Chavez Yob On September 13th, our darling mother left this earthly place to join her beloved husband of 65 years, Enso, who preceded Mom in death by a mere 6 weeks. "Surely, they lived long, and were faithful to the good in each other." Estelle was born to Jenny and Joe Chavez, on the cusp of Christmas, 1921 in New York City, where only a few days earlier her mother had arrived from Cologne, Germany as a war bride. Beginning a new life together as the most devoted mother-daughter twosome, Estelle and Jenny traveled west to San Francisco. During the Depression, sacrifices were made by them both but the door was always open to friends in need; one more soup bowl could always be found, and much love and laughter was shared by all. Estelle was a true San Francisco child, from roller-skating in GG Park, "It's It" at Playland, Cliff House brunches, Stanton Delaplane columns, she loved her city! In 1936, they settled in the Mission, where Estelle began a treasured 70+ year friendship with her revered "Etta-Kettes," whose members continued to meet and remain in each others lives. She truly cherished these magnificent friends. And it was in the Mission where Estelle met Enso Yob, a San Mateo boy, who captured her heart and, in 1942, her hand in marriage. During the three long years of WWII separation, Estelle learned the art of homemaking from our Nonna, including how to feed a hungry Italian male. She managed to save enough to present her returning soldier with a house in the Avenues - no furniture, but great floors for dancing! In 1947, Estelle and Enso began a life well-lived on the Peninsula giving their three children an idyllic childhood made possible by hard work and the determination to give us the benefit of a life unblemished by fears of want or need. After her retirement from McKesson-Robbins and their resettling in the wine country, Estelle and Enso were able to really enjoy the fruits of all their labors with travel to exotic ports, delighted grandchild visits where the list of activities awaited only a child's approval, and yearly trips to Carmel, a family destination for over 60 summers. These last four years in the Pacific Northwest were a time of great joy to Estelle, for her children could share their lives on a daily basis with picnics, casino adventures, Sunday dinners and many games of "31." All of life's sweetest moments were hers. Grandchild weddings and nine great-grandchild births commemorated with true Estelle flair. We are all so thankful for the examples she set, for the richness with which she celebrated life, the love she bestowed on us and the everyday grace in all that she did and all that she was. " The World Seems Smaller to Us Today"