Esperanza Chadwick

Esperanza Chadwick, age 90, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2019 after a long illness.  She was born on September 6, 1929 in Gomez Palacio, Durango Mexico to Mateo Gutierrez and Ma. de la Luz Diaz. She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin in 1993.

At the age of 33, Esperanza began learning English while living in Mexico.  Her classes included a pen-pal connection with a class of students in America who were learning Spanish.  As fate would have it, Esperanza became the pen pal of Melvin Thomas Chadwick.  After writing each other for some time, an affection developed and Melvin travelled to Mexico for a meeting.  Love blossomed quickly and after being in Mexico for just a short time, Melvin proposed and Esperanza and Mel were married.  Esperanza and her son George accompanied Mel back to America to start a new life in Pocatello Idaho.  What a storybook romance!

Esperanza was a pioneer in many ways.  She bravely moved to a new country where she knew no one but her husband.  She made countless close friends and immersed herself in the latin community in Pocatello.  She learned English, received her citizenship and began working at Idaho State University.  She was the first Chadwick to attend college, earning an associate’s degree from Idaho State University.  She retired from Idaho State University in 1983, and had a second career working for UNLV after moving to Nevada in 1984.  She was a life-long example of hard work and dedication.  She worked tirelessly to provide for her family and always taught them the principles of independence and self-reliance.  Esperanza was also a wonderful example of life-long learning.  She loved to read and was often found with a book in her hand.

Esperanza enjoyed travelling, socializing, and listening to music.   Her laugh would light up the room and she was happiest when surrounded by her family, listening to music and visiting about times past.

Esperanza is the oldest of 6 children and is survived by her sister Hortencia, Elia, Paquita, Magaly and her brother Javier.  She is also survived by her son George Gutierrez and her son Kirk Chadwick and his wife Brenda and their 5 children – Dylan, William, Elin, Evan and Chloe, as well as her granddaughter Diana Bjorndal. She leaves behind two great grandchildren - Maggie and Lucy Chadwick, as well as many nephews and nieces. She loved them all deeply.