Denise Marie Chavez

Moorpark - Denise M. Chavez passed away at home on April 24, 2020, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 65 years old. Denise is survived by her beloved husband of 43 years, Jim, two daughters Candice and Corinne, her son Craig, two granddaughters Maleah and Layla, two grandsons Barlow and Jaxon, father Christian, and two brothers Joseph and Christian III. She was preceded in death by her mother Nancy. Denise was born in 1955, and grew up in El Segundo, California. She married her best friend in 1977. After securing a permanent teaching job, the family settled in Moorpark, California. Denise had an amazing 25-year career as a respected teacher for the Moorpark Unified School District. She enriched minds, made friends, and helped migrant families throughout Ventura County. She retired in 2017, along with her husband, and began to travel and see the world. From the crisp rocky mountain air, to the white sand beaches of Hawaii, she lived life to the fullest and saw every day as a new adventure. She loved to hike, take road trips, and play Jeopardy every night. Denise will be laid to rest next to her mother Nancy, in Santa Monica, California.