Pearl Chavez Obituary

Pearl Yunshan Chavez, 22, of Marina, California, passed away on January 12, 2026. Pearl was bright, smart, fun-loving, goofy, patient, and endlessly curious. She brought laughter, warmth, and light wherever she went, and her family and friends will miss her more than words can express.

Pearl spent the first three years of her life at the Children's Welfare Institute in Chengdu, China. She was adopted and came home to her forever family in Shafter, California, where she spent her childhood until the age of ten. From early on, Pearl's life was filled with adventure and love. She traveled with her family to England, France, Alaska, Hawaii, the Bahamas, and back to China twice, but most often to the Monterey Peninsula. In 2013, Pearl and her family relocated to Carmel, where she continued to grow into the remarkable young woman so many came to love. Later adventures also included Norway, Scotland, Tulum Mexico, and New Zealand.

Pearl earned her black belt in Taekwondo, a reflection of her quiet determination and strength. She developed a deep love of the ocean and spent summers at Camp Sea Lab. She found joy in tide-pooling, collecting sea glass with her mom, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and skim-boarding. Pearl also loved hiking with her family and friends, especially at Big Sur, Point Lobos and Palo Corona Park. She had a special gift for gently motivating those around her to stay active and enjoy life. Whether it was a walk after work or a weekend stroll along the coastal Recreation Trail, Pearl was often the one encouraging everyone to get outside together.

After graduating from Carmel High School, Pearl attended Monterey Peninsula College, where she met the love of her life, Jose Viscarra Diaz. She graduated with three associate degrees and transferred to the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she majored in Computer Engineering. Pearl served as the family's official tech support.

During a summer break, Pearl began working as a plans examiner and discovered a new passion for construction and design. That summer job quickly turned into a career that she loved. She had her future mapped out with purpose and excitement, and it was a future filled with promise.

Pearl's heart for people extended far beyond her immediate family. Over the years, she formed sister-like bonds with international students from China who lived with the family, including Daisy, Chris, Effy, Vicky, and Cici, with Cici being especially close after living with the family for three years in Carmel. Pearl also cherished Elena, a close friend from the family's Shafter years, who also became like a daughter to the family.

Pearl's life was tragically cut short in an automobile accident on her way to work. While her time here was far too brief, Pearl filled it with love, laughter, curiosity, and a deep connection to the people and world around her.

Pearl loved to talk, and one of her favorite routines was sharing stories about her day with her mom. She also loved connecting with friends and coworkers, and she genuinely wanted to get to know people, often asking thoughtful questions and turning everyday conversations into something meaningful.

Pearl adored all kinds of animals, especially her black Holland Lop bunny, Bun Bun. Wherever Pearl went, she could never pass a stray cat without stopping and trying to make a new friend.

Pearl is survived by her father, Pete Chavez; her mother, Lori Williamson Chavez; and her sister, Chloe Chavez. She will also be remembered with great love by Jose, extended family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Carmel Fields (4860 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, CA) on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. All who loved Pearl are welcome to attend and honor the extraordinary light she brought into this world