Claire was born on January 7th 1939, in Merced, California to her parents, Jessie and Maria
Sanchez. She spent her early years in Le Grand, California, where she would eventually meet
her first husband, Albert Costello. Together they had two sons, Anthony and Raymond. They
moved to the big city of San Leandro, California, seeking work and a different way of life. Claire
was a homemaker and then worked in a factory for over 25 years while in the Bay Area.
After parting ways with Albert, she met her second husband, William “Bill” Kimbrell, in the bay area. It
was a time when they were both lost and they saved each other. Bill already had two sons,
Danny and Joey, who instantly became a part of her family. She loved her four sons and doted
over them like a loving mother.
Claire and Bill then moved to Le Grand to open a business which they both ran side by side for several years. They were well known in the community as kind and giving to those in need. Claire took great care of Bill when he became ill, until his passing. She then met her life partner, Andres Villanueva, who she enjoyed the rest of her life with. He took great care of her until her passing as they enjoyed traveling, gambling, and being involved in her church.
She is a devout Catholic and volunteer at the Hinds Hospice store in town. She was known by all with a smile and her kindness. She was caring, dependable, thoughtful toward all she met and a loving soul, who always made time for others. She would open her home to family and friends alike. She will be remembered and missed by all.
Claire was preceded in death by her father Jessie Sanchez, mother Maria Sanchez, brothers Joe
Flores and sister-in-law Bertha Flores, Jessie Sanchez and sister-in-law Annie Sanchez, and
Raymond Sanchez, her sister Ruth Martinez and brother-in-law Jesse Martinez, Albert Costello,
Bill Kimbrell, her niece Mary Duran, and her beloved son Anthony Costello.
She is survived by her son Raymond Costello, her life partner Andres Villanueva, sisters Louisa Chavez, Consuelo Sanchez Guerrero, and Virginia and George Grijalva, and brother John Sanchez and sister-in
-law Patricia Sanchez, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews who thought the world of
her.
You will continue to live in our hearts as we find comfort in the many years of memories we all have of you! God Bless you!
A Rosary Service for Claire will be held Monday, April 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM at St. Columba Catholic Church, 213 Orange Ave., Chowchilla, California, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM.
Please join us in remembering Claire Sanchez Kimbrell by visiting our Memorial at www.wordenchapel.com
Through this site, we invite you to view and share cherished photos and videos, share fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Sanchez, Kimbrell and Chavez Family or share the obituary with others via social media and email. Arrangements are under the direction of Palm Memorial Worden Chapel, Lori Whatley, Funeral Arranger.
