Melba Mirtha Charvet

JULY 29, 1949 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

Melba’s story began on July 29, 1949, in Portoviejo, Ecuador, where she was born to Eladio Parraga and Lida Grijalva. She was the youngest of nine children and grew up surrounded by family. Those early years helped shape the woman she would become: strong, loving, family-centered and full of life.

At the age of 19, Melba moved to New York, where a new chapter of her life began. It was there that she met William Charvet. Their paths eventually led them to California, where they married in 1969. Together they became parents and created a family that would remain the greatest part of Melba’s life. Melba and William were married for 20 years from 1969 to 1989 and although they parted way William always remained an important part of her life as the father of her children and a lifelong friend.

They welcomed their son, Paul Charvet, born in 1970, and their daughter, Michelle Charvet, who was born in 1971. Being a mother was one of Melba’s greatest joys. She devoted herself to her children and took great joy in watching them grow.

She did the same with the generations to follow. Her granddaughters, Ashley Renteria born in 1987 and Adriana Charvet born in 1997; and her great-grandchildren, Mariah Charvet Renteria born 2006 and Dominik Charvet Renteria born 2013 were also her pride and joy, family that she would bless God for everyday.

For more than five decades, Milpitas was more than just a place where Melba lived. It was her home. Her house was a reflection of who she was, a place filled with warmth, family, good food, conversation, and laughter. Her kitchen was a place where people felt welcome, and her garden was something she cared for with love. She found beauty in the little things and took pride in making her surroundings feel beautiful and inviting.

Melba also found purpose through her work. For more than 20 years, she worked as a formulation technician at Thermo Fisher. Her work was an important part of her life. She formed friendships that extended far beyond the workplace and left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing her. Her coworkers embraced her as a mentor, a friend, and even a motherly figure, calling her “Grandma,” which is a title she carried with pride and happiness.

Melba’s life was a testament to her own strength, independence, and ability to build a fulfilling life surrounded by the people and things she loved. She had many connections that she’s made throughout the years, some even lasting decades. Among all the special relationships in her life, one of the most meaningful was the bond she shared with her sister, Marlene, who was also her best friend. They spoke every single day, and those conversations became a cherished part of Melba’s life. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, companionship, and the kind of sisterhood that remains a precious gift. Marlene was not only her sister but someone Melba could always turn to, confide in, and share life with. That special bond was something Melba cherished deeply and carried throughout her life.

In the final chapter of her life, Melba faced one of her greatest challenges when she was diagnosed with cancer. Even during this difficult time, Melba continued to face each day with incredibly high spirits. She continued to fight with a positive attitude and remarkable resilience, and found reasons to enjoy each day. Melba met her illness with courage, determination, and the same strength that had carried her throughout her life.

Melba passed away on September 13, 2026, at the age of 77, in the Milpitas home she had loved and called home for more than 50 years.

She is survived by her son, Paul Charvet; her granddaughters, Ashley Renteria and Adriana Charvet; her great-grandchildren, Mariah Charvet Renteria and Dominik Charvet Renteria; her sister, Marlene; her extended family; and the many friends, coworkers, and loved ones whos lives shes touched.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Evelynn Michelle Charvet, and William Charvet.

Melba will be remembered most for her beautiful spirit, her laughter, her kindness, her love for family, her glamour, her love of traveling, her dancing and the way she made people feel loved and welcomed.

Her life was filled with love, family, friendship, faith, resilience, independence, and joy. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she gave us will remain in everything she touched, in our family gatherings, our favorite recipes, our gardens, our music, and the memories we carry in our hearts.

We can imagine her and her daughter together again, embracing love, with no more pain, no more treatments and no more difficult days.

May we continue to honor Melba by living with the same courage, confidence, warmth, and joy that she showed us throughout her life. May her memory never be forgotten, and may she rest in peace.