Leona Louise Chevalier, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. A Tracy, California resident for the past 60 years, Leona was born on March 13, 1927 in Ottawa, Illinois to Joseph A. & Edith A. (Joslin) Roux.
A bright young girl fresh out of high school, Leona found her calling early in life. “Enlist in a Proud Profession” was a clear and easy decision, she joined the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II. The demand for nurses was described by US Public Health as a “war job with a future”. A future it was, after completing the 3 year nursing program at Ryburn Memorial Hospital she continued her career as a Registered Nurse for nearly 55 years before retiring.
The end of WWII also lead Leona to the love of her life, Narcisse Arthur Chevalier. In 1948 Narce & Leona married, starting their family in Ottawa before moving across the US to California in 1962.
Their 64 years of marriage brought them love, laughter and family. Together they were blessed with two sons, Jay and Joe. Being a wife & mother gave her great joy, but nothing prepared her for the love that filled her heart when she became a grandmother. She treasured her grandsons, Derek and Marc, they were truly the greatest joy of her life.
Leona is survived by her sons Jay Chevalier of Tracy, CA, and Joe Chevalier & wife Ellen of Garden City, ID; Grandsons Marc Chevalier of Folsom, CA and Derek Chevalier & wife Brandi and their children, 2 cherished great grandchildren all of Omaha, NE. She is also survived by her siblings Charles Roux, Marjorie Biffany both Ottawa, IL and Cheryl Udvance of Mount Prospect, IL, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family & friends
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, along with her devout husband, Narcisse “Narce” Chevalier.
Fry Memorial Chapel, Tracy, CA is handling funeral arrangements for the Chevalier Family. In following with Ms. Chevalier’s wishes there will be no funeral services. She will be laid to rest privately at Oakwood Memorial Park with her beloved Narce. An online guest book is available for condolences and special messages to the family at www.frymemorialchapel.com
Leona has been laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms at Oakwood Memorial Park.