Elvera Geraldine Chastain was born in Ashland, CA September 21, 1930 & passed away peacefully December 2, 2025 in Folsom CA. Her preferred name was simply Gerry. However, she was affectionately also known as “Ducky” by family & close friends. She was given the nickname “Ducky” by her 5 older siblings because when she was a toddler, she would waddle like a duck when she walked. She was predeceased by her 5 older siblings. Marie Machado of Hayward, Gerald Moura of Ashland, Viola Sylvia of Hayward, Lawrence Moura of Escalon & Melvin Moura of Hayward. She worked for Western Electric in San Leandro from 1959 until her retirement in 1985, always reminisced about the wonderful experiences there. She absolutely loved her job & all her coworkers. She was active with the Ashland Holy Ghost association due to her Portuguese ancestry originating from her parents, Mary being Azorean & Antone Moura being from the island of Madeira.
Gerry married Robert “Joe” Chastain August 28, 1948 after growing up as neighbors & knowing each other for 10 years before their marriage. They were married almost 60 years until the passing of Joe March 6, 2008. They had a beautiful marriage filled with travels, friends & family. Together in 1957, they purchased 2 lots in Old Strawberry, Tuolumne County, CA on which they built a mountain cabin together, which remains in the family until this day. Gerry went to work nights at Hunts Cannery to repay her father for a small loan to purchase the property. She was definitely not afraid of hard work & instilled that work ethic in her family. Her garden was her passion. Her flowers seemed to always be blooming. She had weekly gardeners that she would closely supervise. If they didn’t meet her quality standards, they were gone. However, the good ones were rewarded with her homemade goodies & soft drinks on a hot day.
Gerry has a son Bill Chastain & daughter in law Lynda Chastain of Gardnerville NV. Her 5 Grandchildren are Allie McNee of Roseville, Dr. Amanda Chastain of Klamath Falls, OR, Joey Chastain of Sacramento, Joshua Chastain of Magalia & Stacy Defreitas of Magalia. Gerry has 18 Great Grandchildren & many loving nieces & nephews. She truly loved them all with her great big heart. After Joe passed away, her life companion was a little Chihuahua Terrier mix named Twinkle Star or just plain Twinkie. Gerry loved that dog & spent 15 wonderful years loving & caring for it………She will be remembered.
Please, in lieu of flowers, send donations to the American Cancer Society.
