Maria De Jesus Sanchez, known as “Mama Chuy” to family and friends, entered peacefully into the glory of her eternal life at 3 a.m. on July 23, 2012, at Antioch Convalescent Hospital. She was 98.

Mama Chuy, born Feb. 28, 1914 in Coalcoman, Michoacan, Mexico, was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed for her love and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cipriano and Lucina Sanchez; husband, Narcisio Morfin, in 1965; brothers, Eraleo Sanchez of King City, Calif. and Julio Sanchez of Coalcoman, Michoacan, Mexico; sisters, Socorro Sanchez Mendoza of Coalcoman, Michoacan, Mexico, Isabel Sanchez Mendoza of Colima, Col., Mexico, and Genoveva Sanchez Castaneda of Oxnard, Calif.; sons, Alfredo Morfin and Jose Morfin of Michoacan, Michocan, Mexico; in-laws, Maria Ranjel and Esteban Morfin of Michoacan, Michoacan, Mexico; and grandson, Harvey Oseguera of Brentwood.

She is survived by her children, Amelia Castaneda of Colima, Col., Mexico, Maria Silva of San Jose, Lucina Oseguera, Leovigildo Morfin, Isaias Morfin and Cipriano Morfin, all of Brentwood; brother, Emiliano Sanchez of Coalcoman, Michoacan, Mexico; and two half-sisters of Watsonville. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The oldest of seven siblings, Mama Chuy enjoyed caring for others and attending church. When her mother passed away, she took care of her siblings at a very young age, becoming a second mother to them.

A resident of Brentwood since 1987, Mama Chuy was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and a devout Catholic. She always had her rosary and Bible with her. She loved spending time with family and knitting beautiful scarves, caps and clothing for her grand- and great-grandchildren.

Mama Chuy will be missed by all her family and friends. She considered her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren her greatest legacy. Most importantly, she lived her life as a good Samaritan.

To our Mom and Abuela: You left us beautiful memories. Your love is still our guide, and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. We love you.

Like Mama Chuy used to say, “Que Dios te bendiga y la Virgen te acompañe.” (May God bless you and the Virgin accompany you).

Upon her request, service and burial will be held in Pihuamo, Jalisco, Mexico.