September 3, 1944 – January 13, 2026
Donna Chavez, 81, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose after suffering a major stroke. She was surrounded by friends and loved ones. Born in La Junta, Colorado, to Peter and Eleanor Chavez, she was the eldest of two children. Growing up in California, she attended elementary and high school in the city of Richmond and graduated from the University of San Francisco. She earned two master’s degrees, one from USF and another from the University of Washington.
She spent her summers working for the Parks and Recreation Department in Seattle, Washington. Shortly after graduating from college, she was hired by the Fremont Union High School District in the physical education department at Sunnyvale High School. Later, when Sunnyvale H.S. closed, she transferred to Homestead High School, where she taught science and physical education, and ultimately became head of the physical education department. She coached swimming, softball, and field hockey. She loved working with students and athletes. She retired in 2003, with a total of 36 years of teaching.
Retirement brought her to Hollister, California, to play lots of golf. She joined Ridgemark Golf Club and was a member of the ladies’ club for 23 years. She was the Ladies Club Champion six times and competed in many team play tournaments. Donna really loved the game. Her hobbies took up much of her time as she grew up: snow skiing, jogging, racquetball, fishing, gardening, reading, movie watching, and traveling. She even ran in a marathon called The Avenue of the Giants, an annual event in Humboldt County.
Above all, Donna was happiest in the company of her beloved wife, Judy. Together, they traveled and cruised all over the world: Scandinavia, Europe, China, South Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, and more. Donna and Judy built a beautiful life together for over 44 years.
Donna is survived by her wife, Judy Benidt of Hollister; her sister and brother-in-law, Nancy & Larry Leimone of Concord; and her niece, Angela Brown of Oroville. She also leaves many extended family members and countless dear friends.
Donna will be interred at Alta Mesa Cemetery in Palo Alto.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.