Esmeralda S. Chavez, age 75 of Palatine, IL passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, January 16. She was born August 05, 1949, in Cotulla, TX, the daughter of the late Luis and Manuela (Lopez) Saldivar. In life, Esmeralda enjoyed the simple things, time in the kitchen cooking or baking with her children, chatting on the phone with her siblings, cousins or comadres, word searches, watching Jeopardy, her little Shih Tzus, and most of all spending time with her family. She was the beloved wife of Jose G. Chavez whose love spanned  more than 50 years. Adoring mother of Guadalupe, Michael, Claudia, Marisela, and Marissa Chavez. Cherished sister of Jose, Juan, and Annette Saldivar, Mayde (Artemio) Chavez, and the late Guadalupe Luna, Gloria Ruiz, and Osbaldo Saldivar. She was a loving tia, prima, comadre and friend to many more. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23rd from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S Milwaukee Ave (2 Blocks South of Dundee Road), Wheeling, IL. A life celebration mass will be held the following day, on Friday, January 24th at 11:00 AM at Saint Mary Parish, 10 N Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove. Interment to follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.