Juanita Silvas Chavez

Sonora – Juanita Silvas Chavez, a life long resident born in Sonora on August 24, 1923 passed away on March 11 , 2017. Her parents were Faustino and Clara Silvas. By age 5 her mother passed leaving her with her only brother Agustin Silvas. He was killed during WWII. Being an only child she had a difficult upbringing. She was raised by her stepmother Lupe Silvas. She was married at age 15 to Sonora native Toribio Rodriguez Chavez. They were married for 55 years and had seven children. They were six boys and one girl. Five of the children were born at home in “La Casita.” She is survived by her beloved children Toribio Jr., David, Augustine, Dennis, Elida, Gigo and Eloy (Ruben). All, with the exception of one, live in California. Toribio Jr. is commonly known as T.C. the barber hair cutting man in Sonora. Juanita was a mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother to all family who called her Nana Juanita. In addition to raising her family she worked full time for many years for Dorothy Dulnick owner of the Sonora Courts and at Thorp’s Laundry. She also served as a volunteer at the Sonora Senior Center delivering hot meals to the elderly. Juanita instilled in her children a strong sense of caring and community advocating for human civil rights and inclusion. She was a Chicana warrior.