Stephen Marcus Chavarria

Stephen Marcus Chavarria, 78, of Temecula, California, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on April 29, 1947, in Colorado to Mildred Estel and James Nolbert Chavarria. Stephen was the eldest of five siblings.

Though born with an intellectual disability and non-verbal, Stephen lived a busy and productive life. As a teenager, he began participating in a community support program for individuals with developmental disabilities - a program in which he remained active for 36 years while living in Orange, California.

In 2000, Stephen moved to the Temecula area to be near family and began working at Exceed Workshop - a job skill training and support program offering employment and person-centered services. He worked there until age 72, then transitioned to the adult-day program, which he attended faithfully. He continued attending until the age of 75; this ended his 22 years of attendance with Exceed. In total, he devoted 58 years to working and attending his workshop program, rarely missing a day. He was proud of his work and every paycheck he earned. It gave him a strong sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Over the years, Stephen lived in board-and-care homes each providing him with the love and care he needed. For more than 23 years, he resided at the Anderson Home, where the caregivers and roommates, became family to him. They all provided him with love, care, compassion and companionship. Among those closest to him was his longtime roommate and co-worker, “Felix”, with whom he shared a deep bond.

Stephen found joy in simple pleasures. He dearly loved music, puzzles, watching TV and singing. He found deep comfort in order and routine, taking quiet pride in keeping his surroundings neat and tidy. He did not like using his hands or having them become dirty and washed them often to maintain the sense of peace and cleanliness that meant so much to him. It was a familiar habit that everyone who knew him understood and lovingly recognized. When possible, he would use his foot to pull out chairs, open doors and move objects - small, thoughtful adaptations that reflected his unique ways, independence, and dignity.

Stephen, also known for his playful, lighthearted side found joy in simple, silly things. He found great joy in slapstick comedy and physical humor, and his laughter - was often heard as he amused himself - a sweet reminder of his playful spirit. At times, his curiosity and creativity showed in unexpected ways - once amusingly stacking videos tapes as high as he could only to watch them fall, It became a shared goal for him to keep the stacks lower and safer - a gentle challenge he worked to follow, showing his willingness to learn and his desire to do the right thing. He found joy in life’s simple moments.

He is preceded in death by his mother - Mildred Estel Walter; father - James Nolbert Chavarria; brother - James “Jimmy” Chavarria and survived by his sisters - Diana Witt, Paulie Boland and Lisa Friddle - and by his nieces and nephews: Travis Page, Serena Streeper, Cody Boland, Jessica Boland, Brandon Friddle and Briana Friddle, and his great-nieces and great-nephews Keidren, Lachlan, Lily and Charles “Charlie” Page.

A graveside service will be held on January 9, 2025 at 1:00 o’clock at the Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest, California. The family welcomes all who wish to remember Stephen and celebrate his life.

Stephen-a quiet soul who touched our lives in the most profound ways. Though he was non-verbal, his gentle spirit spoke louder than words ever could. He never asked for much, yet he gave so much in teaching us patience, grace, and unconditional love simply by being himself. In a life shaped by challenges, his, strength, independence and gentle spirit has left an every lasting impression. He may not have spoken many words - but in his own way, he expressed love in his own unique, gentle way. Stephen will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew and loved him, rest in peace in GODS loving arms.