Maria Elena Duran de Chau

Maria Elena Duran de Chau,“Nenita,” 79, of Arequipa, Peru, entered peacefully into eternal rest on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. She was preceded in death by her mother, Olinda Vera Revilla, and her grandaunt, Delfina Revilla. She is lovingly survived by her son Manuel Chau Duran, her daughter Rosa Chau Duran, her daughter‑in‑law Claudia Rojas Esparza, and many beloved family members.

Nenita was a radiant example of strength and resilience, a woman whose unwavering faith in God illuminated her path through life. For nearly five decades, she devoted herself to caring for the elderly and those in need within her community. She was both mother and father to her children, a tireless and devoted worker, and was cherished by all who knew her for her life of service, compassion, and love. She gave selflessly, never expecting anything in return, and expressed her affection not only in words but through countless acts of kindness.

Even in her illness, Nenita fought with courage and grace, showing the same strong spirit that defined her life. Her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled. Each day we will long for the warmth of her voice and the embrace that brought us comfort. Yet her spirit remains with us, inspiring all who knew her to live with faith, generosity, and love.

We take solace in knowing she is now with our Lord, surrounded by His love, His grace, and reunited with those she cherished who departed before her. Nenita carried a piece of our hearts with her, and we will love and miss her forever.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 19, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 8200 Woodman Rd., Henrico, VA 23228. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, 13389 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059.