EVONNE ANTONETTE HADDAD CHALA, 95, of Ojai, California, passed away on June 28th, 2024. Evonne was born on January 20, 1929 in Portage, Pennsylvania to Charles and Edma Haddad.
When Evonne’s family relocated to Los Angeles, she became a member of St, Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Christian Cathedral. She joined the choir and became a part of the youth organization, SOYO, where she met her future husband, Richard Chala. Evonne married Richard in 1953, and although she actively assisted Richard in the administration of his businesses, it was as a wife and mother that she found her greatest fulfillment. Evonne was an exceptional cook, and preparing meals and pastries for family and friends was one of her greatest joys. Having been schooled in the culinary arts by her mother, Edna, in addition to preparing all the traditional Syrian Lebanese dishes and pastries, she also became an expert in cooking traditional Chilean meals, having been taught by her mother-in-law, Olga. Evonne also enjoyed reading, playing card games with her daughters, socializing with family and friends, watching informative TV programs, crossword puzzles, and attending church.
Evonne is survived by her three daughters, Marta, Sonia and Veronica, her sister, Saundra, Granddaughter Amy, Great-Granddaughter Ari, 17 nieces and nephews, several godchildren, and a large and loving church family.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours to be held on Monday evening, July 8, 2024 from 5 to 8pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura. On Tuesday evening July 9, 2024 a Trisagion funeral services and all night vigil (for those who wish to participate) will be held at 7:00pm at St. Athanasius Orthodox Christian Church, 300 Sumida Gardens Lane, Santa Barbara. Graveside funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 11:00am in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Athanasius Building Fund.