Ofelia Chairez Martin

Ofelia Chairez Martin, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 accompanied by family and friends.

Ofelia was born on August 7, 1937 in San Bernardo, Durango, Mexico. However, the family moved to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua during her teens. Later, at a young age, she emigrated to the U.S. seeking employment. First, she went to nearby El Paso, Texas, then Los Angeles, eventually to Watsonville, California.

Ofelia married Jose Guadalupe Martin in 1961. She and Jose celebrated 52 years of marriage before his passing. Ofelia lived most of her adult life in Watsonville. She was known by family and friends for her cooking, wit, tireless energy, and always keeping her house tidy and clean. She loved walking, visiting casinos, gardening, family gatherings, attending Catholic church services, listening to music, and especially, dancing! What she was most proud of, like her husband, was providing a good education for her children. Although she worked various jobs in cannery employment, Ofelia spent most of her life as a dedicated homemaker.

She is survived by her son, Eladio "Lalo" Martin (Amy); daughter, Veronica (Ted) Barrios, and five grandchildren: Mychael, Christian, Marcel, Dante, and Gabriel; one sister, Agueda Chairez Ricarte (Genaro-deceased) and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose G. Martin; Ignacio "Nacho" Chairez (brother); Marcelo Chairez (father); and Dolores Hernandez Chairez (mother).

Visitation/Viewing will be held at Mehl's Colonial Chapel on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 5 to 9 p.m. with the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians / Valley Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Valley Public Cemetery.

Flowers can be sent to Mehl's Colonial Chapel: 222 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville.

Published in The Pajaronian · February 11, 2025