Graciela Villalobos, the heart of her home and nurturing soul to all who knew her, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026. Born in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, Graciela was raised with the values of family and hospitality that she carried with her when she moved to California in 1978.

Known affectionately as "Chela," she was famous for her open-door policy. Whether it was a puzzle in progress, a fresh pot of hot coffee, or a home-cooked meal, there was always a seat at her table and a place for everyone to feel like family. Graciela found joy in the simple pleasures: she was the ultimate "passenger princess" on family road trips, a master of puzzles, a dedicated gardener, and a lover of a good day at the slots followed by a buffet feast.

Graciela's legacy lives on through her devoted children: Sandra, Cristina and Enrique, Hilda and Anthony, Jesus Esteban and Maria, Myriam and Carlos, Verenise, and Debbie. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Dennise, Carlos "Chico", Alexandra, Jenny, Nicole, Vanessa, Manuel, Jesus Daniel, Jazmine, Antony, Michael, Jamar, Joslynn, Christon, Celeste, Raul, Carlos, David, Gigi, Mia, Adrina, and Crystal; and a doting great-grandmother to nine. Beyond her biological family, her heart and home were so large that she leaves behind many others who came to call her Grandma. She is also survived by her sister, Violeta Tiscareño.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesus Villalobos; her mother, Juana Valdez; her granddaughter, Alicia Mixon; and her siblings, Jose, J. Natividad, Estefana, and Julian.

Friends and family are invited to honor her memory during a visitation on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Pittsburg Funeral Chapel Inc., 2295 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg, CA.