Josephine Chavez

Josephine “Jo” Chavez was born on January 12, 1932, in Mason City, Iowa, and passed away on May 13, 2026, in Goleta, California. Her brilliant smile, hardworking spirit and love of adventure will be dearly missed. She grew up in Mason City and carried the values of hard work, loyalty, and family pride throughout her life. From an early age, she understood the power of perseverance and the importance of making the most of what she earned. Those qualities became the foundation of the remarkable life she built, and they remained evident in every chapter that followed. Josephine spent her career in administration at Delco, where she earned a reputation not only for her dedication and reliability, but also for her extraordinary talent in the kitchen. She was affectionately known as the “cake baker,” and her masterful creations became a cherished part of retirements, company events, and many other celebrations. Jo was incredibly hardworking and deeply valued saving what she earned, living with a practical sense of responsibility that served her well throughout her life. Her work ethic and reliability left a lasting impression on those who knew her professionally. She was a woman who knew how to enjoy life with style and gratitude, and often times with a glass of champagne. In her younger years, she loved attending weekend dances, including those at the Surf Ballroom, where music and companionship brought joy to her heart. When her family moved to Santa Barbara in the 1970s, she embraced her new home with enthusiasm. She loved shopping on State Street, attending the weekend art fairs, and never missed an opportunity to stop into Bryant & Sons jewelry store to admire the latest baubles and fashion accessories. She had an eye for beauty, an appreciation for detail, and a delight in the simple pleasures that make life memorable. In her family, Jo was known as Aunt Jo, the historian who took great joy in building the family tree and preserving the connections between generations. She cared deeply about her relatives and found happiness in learning, remembering, and sharing family stories. In her retirement years, she and her sister Lucy took numerous trips across the country and Mexico, creating memories along the way. She especially loved spending time with her nephews and watching their families grow, and she took great delight in being part of their lives. She also enjoyed dining out around Santa Barbara and never turned down a dessert, a small pleasure that suited her cheerful spirit and love of good company. Josephine was preceded in death by her parents, George and Carmen Chavez, and her sisters, Lucy Chavez and Catherine Chavez Nelson. She is survived by her sister, Elvira “Ellie” Salgado; her nephews, Christopher (Danielle) Nelson and Nicholas (Emily) Nelson; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Reagan, Bennett, Hazel, and Waylon; her aunt, Theresa Lemus & her family; other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. Jo will be laid to rest alongside her parents and sisters on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at 11 AM at Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara, California.

Josephine Chavez

January 12, 1932 - May 13, 2026