Graciela Cañez

Gracie "Mama Chelie" Cañez, née Marquez, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024, in Torrance, California, at the age of 69. Born on May 17, 1955, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Gracie was a cherished member of her community and a beacon of love and strength to her family and friends.

Gracie is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Victor Cañez; her loving children, Victor Cañez Jr.
(Yadira) and Sandy Abrica (Hector); her adored grandchildren, Yasmin Victoria Cañez, Victor Cañez III,
Alexis Abrica, and Vincent Abrica. She also leaves behind her brothers, Robert and Rodolfo; sisters,
Mary, Julie, Sylvia "Chiva", Alicia, Patricia; and twenty-seven nieces and nephews. Gracie was preceded
in death by her parents, Maria V. and Rodolfo Marquez; her aunt, Irene Hernandez; and siblings, Juan
Lopez, Yolanda Livar, Catarino Marquez, and Rudy Marquez.

Gracie was in everyone's life, her love and influence wrapped around everyone she loved. She was kind
but when needed, she gave just enough sass so that you knew she meant business. We all have a story to
tell about a time Gracie had done something for us or with us. She made us feel cared for, she babysat
most of her nieces and nephews, joined sisters on trips to the movies, shopping, or just to spend time
together. She loved parties and socializing, catching up with everyone. She was welcoming to the many
friends that her family brought over and cared for them, even if they didn't end up staying long. In the
last few years, she wasn't as mobile as she used to be, but she would text and call to stay in our lives.
Gracie took care of us even when her time with us was running down, she held our hands and tried to
reassure us.

Services to honor Gracie's life will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 2 pm at Green Hills Mortuary &
Memorial Chapel, located at 27501 S Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275. A reception
will follow at Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1865 Lomita Blvd., Lomita, CA 90717.