Celia B. Chaney

Celia Bernal Chaney, age 93 of Alpine, CA, passed away at home, Saturday, August 25, 2018. She was born April 27, 1925 in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico, the daughter of Ramona Bernal Ayón, also of Culiacan. She is survived by her two children Grace Barger (David) of Atoka, TN, and Frank Luna (Chris) of Alpine, CA, six grandchildren Anthony, Nicole, Frank, Christopher, Dale, and Shannon, nineteen great-grandchildren Kristen, Benjamin, Ethan, Lauren, Seth, Vanesa, Morgan, Natalie, Danny, Nicolas, Dale III, Mary Jane, Veah, Christopher, Miracle, Uleilia, Serena, Maya, and Yazmin, and great-great-grandchild Ryan. Preceding her in death are her loving husband Ermil Chaney, previous husbands José Graber and Francisco Luna Espejel, brother Roberto Bernal, and grandchildren David, Desiree, and Caprice.

Celia immigrated to the United States in 1957, living most of her life in the San Diego area. In addition to being a mother and homemaker, she worked as a cashier at the Otay General Store and Rexall South Bay Drugs. Her fondest childhood memory in Mexico was having a pet pig wait for her at the corner after school and riding the pig home. Her proudest family moments were her children becoming American citizens because of her efforts and seeing her grandchildren for the first time. The pastimes and hobbies that she enjoyed sharing with family included painting, crafting, listening to classical music, and gardening. Her legacy of commitment and love for family while pursuing one’s dreams through hard work and perseverance will forever follow her memory.