Josephine Chavez

Josephine Smith Chavez died on November 25, 2023, in Park Ridge, Illinois, at the age of 89.

Josephine was born on April 28, 1934, in Waverly, Georgia, daughter of Joseph Franklin Smith and Ruth Ferrell Smith. She attended Camden County High School and graduated in 1951. Later she moved to Philadelphia and attended St. Joseph’s University earning a bachelor’s degree with honors. She worked as an assistant for a number of attorneys and judges in the Philadelphia area. She loved her work and continued working well past the age that she could have retired.

Josephine was a gifted artist who loved doing arts and crafts in her spare time. She graduated from the Winona School of Professional Photography and became a prolific photographer specializing in capturing nature settings. Josephine was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and marveled at God’s creation with a deep love and appreciation for the natural world. She learned all she could about the flora and fauna of different regions and countries and loved nothing more than wandering the collection of a botanical garden.

Josephine was a world traveler who became enamored with the American Southwest and Mexico. She viewed Mexico as her adopted second home and traveled there often with her husband visiting family and volunteering. Josephine was known for her
incredible generosity and had her heart fulfilled helping others.

She was predeceased by her parents, her seven siblings, her husband of 56 years, Hector Chavez, and her daughters, Marolyn, Carolyn, and Becky. She is survived by her son, Danny, as well as several nieces and nephews including her closest grandnephews, George and Paul.

She was loved by many. Her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew her. A service of remembrance will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL