Graciela ("Grace") F. Chaves passed away December 17, 2016, at her home with family present while under hospice care. She was born in Havana, Cuba in 1919 to her parents Raimundo Fernandez and Sylvia Companioni. Grace married Juan F. Chaves, former Leesburg Director of Public Works, in 1945. While living in Havana, Grace worked at the Vedado Tennis Club as a bookkeeper. Grace immigrated to the United States on October 3, 1960, with her husband and two sons. First settling in South Boston, Virginia, Grace was the office manager of the Leggett Bros.'s flagship store. In 1971, the family moved to Leesburg, Virginia, where Grace extended her love of travel into employment at the Travel Center downtown. She was very active in her community as a member of St. John's Catholic Church and as a long-time volunteer with the Loudoun County Red Cross, Every Citizen Has Opportunities, Inc. (ECHO), "Nancy's Cookies," and The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital's annual rummage sale. Well into her early nineties, Grace volunteered as a Spanish-language interpreter with the Loudoun Free Clinic. She lived a long and joyful life and had a fun sense of humor that she regularly shared with her family and friends. Grace especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to whom she was known as "Mamama." She was predeceased by her husband, her brother Roberto F. Companioni, and her son Juan O. Chaves (husband of Marcia). She is survived by her son Roberto J. Chaves (husband of Deborah), her grandchildren Sara C. Beam, Juan C. Chaves, Elisabeth K. Chaves, Phillip A. Chaves, and Christopher A. Chaves, and seven great-grandchildren

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd, NE, Leesburg, VA 20176. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 time to be determined. Interment will follow at St. Johns Cemetery.