Elena Chavez de Penarrieta

Elena Aurora Chavez de Penarrieta, aged 75, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children on April 2, 2024, at Memorial Regional Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Born on August 13, 1948, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to Miguel Chavez Parada and Carmen Poligenia Roca Aguayo, she was united in marriage to (+) Julio Tomas Penarrieta Nava on March 27, 1971, in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

For many years, Elena owned and served as the director of a school of beauty and cosmetology, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched. In 1990, alongside her husband, she embarked on a new venture, opening and managing a beloved family bookstore in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, which remained a cornerstone of the community for 25 years.

In 2009, Elena and her husband made the pivotal decision to relocate to the United States to be closer to her daughter, Paulita (Penarrieta Chavez) Matheny, and her cherished grandchildren. Throughout her life, Elena exemplified resilience and determination, especially evident during the last three years of her illness.

A devout Catholic, Elena found solace and strength in her unwavering faith, holding a profound devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary, Mother of God.

Elena leaves behind a legacy of love and perseverance, cherished by her children: Reymar Douglas Penarrieta Chavez (Yessica Valdivia Justiniano), Paulita (Penarrieta Chavez) Matheny (James Matheny), and Isabel Penarrieta; as well as her beloved grandchildren: Paulo Leony Matheny, J. Kendrick Matheny, Brian Penarrieta, Christian Penarrieta, Lauren Penarrieta, Santiago Penarrieta, Flavia Penarrieta, and Luciana Penarrieta.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to her cherished church, St. John’s Catholic Church in Highland Springs, Virginia.

The family will receive friends from 6 – 9 pm, Friday, April 5, 2024, at St John’s Catholic Church, 813 W. Nine Mile Rd. Highland Springs, VA 23075, where a Funeral Mass will be held at 10 am, Saturday, April 6, 2024, as friends and loved ones gather to honor the remarkable life of Elena Aurora Chavez de Penarrieta. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

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