Marilyn K (Gaggy) Chavalia

Marilyn Chavalia passed away on March 6, 2025, at University Hospital Elyria Medical Center following a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by her birth parents, Michel Berger and Annabelle Chisholm Ream; her adoptive parents, Bonabelle and Jess Cassidy; her husband, Jack Chavalia; and her siblings, Lewis Wilhelm, William Ream, Michel Berger Jr., Martha Preston, Joan Blaschke, Clifford Ream Sr., Bill and Anne Cassidy, Wayne Cassidy, and Pat and Dana Parker.

She is survived by her children: Joseph and Pam Chavalia of Clark, WY; Michele and Jay Squire of Grafton, OH; Michael and Wendy Chavalia of Olmsted Falls, OH; and Jack Chavalia of Grafton, OH. Marilyn also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Rachel and Gordon Potter, Stephane and Brett Shupe, Jeffery and Ashley Chavalia, Michael Chavalia, Evan Dull, Angela and Craig Rundio, Kristi and Brad Fullerton, and Nicole and Jason Mills. Her great-grandchildren include Emily and Faith Shupe, Nolan Potter, Casen Chavalia, Dustin and Blaine Smith, Kendal Jordan, Alana Valentine, Kayla Mills, Braxton and Kolt Rundio, Gunner and Scout Fullerton, as well as her great-great-grandchild, Penelope Jordan.

Marilyn graduated from Vermilion High School in 1949 before earning her nursing degree from St. Luke’s Nursing Program in 1951. She dedicated 73 years to nursing, beginning her career at St. Joseph Hospital in Lorain. She was one of the first EMTs in the village of Grafton and later worked at Elyria Memorial Hospital, Dr. Thomas Williams’ private practice, and Mercy Hospital’s Parish Nursing Program before officially retiring in early 2024.

A devoted member of Grafton United Methodist Church for over 50 years, Marilyn led the Sunday School program and volunteered extensively. She was also a Cub Scout leader and a volunteer with the Cleveland Indians team shop.

Marilyn’s kindness and faith touched countless lives. Her 94 years were filled with lessons shared, recipes passed down, and unwavering guidance. Though the past months were challenging for her health, she remained steadfast in her faith. Now at peace in the Lord’s embrace, she will have the best view of the next Tribe World Series from the greatest stadium in the sky.

Services: Visitation will be held on April 26 at Grafton United Methodist Church from 10 a.m., followed by a service at noon and a luncheon afterward.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

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