Marisela "Marci" Chavez passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2023 (after experiencing a brain

aneurysm) in Pasco, WA. She is survived by her partner of 13 years, Melesio Mejia, her three daughters,

Jazmyn, Rebecca and Marlis and granddaughter, Annalisa. She was the youngest daughter of Roberto

and Altagracia Chavez and a loving sister to her five brothers; Isidro, Crescencio, Salvador, Robert, Joel

and four sisters; Ana, Silvia, Leticia and Ignacia.

Marci was born in Othello and raised in Connell, WA. Her mother and father are originally from Mexico,

and after many years of hard work, they were able to settle in Connell. Marci graduated from Connell

High School in 1994 and attended Yakima Valley Community College. She then earned her Associate's

and Bachelor's Degree, graduating from both Columbia Basin College and Grand Canyon University.

Marci had worked for the Yakima School District for about 5 years as a paraeducator.

During this time, she also started her family and worked diligently to raise her three daughters as a single parent.

From 2007-2023 Marci had devoted a combined 15 years to the Kennewick and Richland School District.

During this time, she began as a paraeducator, eventually becoming a teacher as well as serving as the

Homeless Support and Migrant Home Visitor in Federal Programs.

Throughout her years working for the school districts, she founded a food and health pantry and left a memorable mark everywhere she went. She always provided for her daughters and never allowed any obstacle she faced to interfere with her

ability to play both roles of mother and father. She was the definition of a strong woman: a hard-working woman and always humble.

Marci put an incredible effort in helping and teaching others, never forgetting to add her personal touch to her work. She will be remembered from bringing life to any room as soon as she walked through the doors. Her spirit will live on through the memories we hold of her dancing to the music she loved.