Denise Elena Chaboya

Denise Elena Chaboya, “Chickalee”, visited the Chaboya Family on May 20, 1955 and took a very special place in the family until July 4, 2014. Denise always insisted on celebrating her birthday on that specific day, no matter what day of the week it fell on. Friends, relatives and even strangers got a kick out of watching Denise open her birthday cards. Everyone knew better than to waste time buying a gift and wrapping it. What “Chickalee” expected more than anything else, was a birthday card with money in it! If Denise got a card without money in it, she would get the envelope, closely inspect it, and ask “where’s the money?” Denise loved to sing, dance and hold puppies, kittens and babies, and they all loved Denise, too. Most of all, Denise loved her Savior, Jesus Christ. More than once, while sitting at the table, everyone would be digging into the food and then noticeably- Denise was not. When she was asked “why”, her response was, “we have to thank Jesus first.” Needless to say hers was a gentle reminder to take a moment and express gratitude for the blessing of a good meal. Denise travelled over most of the Western States. She loved to visit new places and especially loved the ocean, lakes, rivers and streams. Denise attended many special needs programs over the years. She went to Beacon Foundation, Gump School, Blake Foundation and Community Connection. She loved to create arts and crafts, paint, read and write. Denise loved watching religious programs and sang many Christian songs. Denise’s special ending to any song would be “Cha, Cha, Cha” and then she would snicker and cover her mouth sheepishly. Denise was preceded in death by her mother; Sarah Balboa Chaboya; father; Armando Carriaga Chaboya; brothers, Larry Ormsby Chaboya, Armando Roy Chaboya, David Rafael Chaboya and Gavino Fernandez. Denise is survived by her siblings; Michael and Daniel Fernandez, Amelia (Rudy) Armenta, Filimon (Gloria) Chaboya, Rose Chaboya-Balboa and her loving best brother, Carlos (Tish) Chaboya. Denise has countless nieces, nephews (both great and greater), friends and acquaintances. Denise was given loving and motherly care for the last 8 years of her life by Yolie Quiroz. She also had a good friend and roommate named Pam. Denise and her family wish to express their gratitude to the caring staff and volunteers at Peppi’s House for the compassionate care they provided her. And if you are ever sad and lonely, Denise would want you to listen to the song, “It’s a Small World After All.” Denise had the heart, soul, spirit and personality of a small child. She personified the words of Jesus the Christ: And he said “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:3. Services will be held at Martinez Funeral Chapels, 2580 S. 6th Ave., on Tuesday July 8, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, July 9th from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Funeral arrangements by Martinez Funeral Chapels. www.martinezfuneralchapels.com