Vanessa Lamenza-Chacón

Vanessa Lamenza-Chacon, 57, of Chicago, Puerto Rico – not an actual place but you just try telling her that, left this world for a brighter one with nicer beaches and better weather on November 16th 2024 in the arms of those that knew and loved her best. 

She was born early in the morning under the glittering stars of Mayaguez to the chorus of coquis, and met soon after by the warmth of a sunrise that never left her smile or her spirit. As a child that warmth kindled a fire in her heart that gave her the strength to protect her little brother and best friend, Ricardo, and the determination to compete with and outdo her greatest rival – also Ricardo. 

Leaving Puerto Rico as a young teenager was the start of a love of travel, the herald to a nomadic lifestyle that appealed to something deep in her soul that she would carry for the rest of her life – a call to adventure that she found irresistible. From Wakeegan, to Rockfort, Libertyville, to Okemos, then Fort Wayne – she found happiness in the journey; a love of the pursuit to that next city, that next town, more even than the places themselves. Except for Chicago. Chicago was special. A place that she felt tied to no matter how far she was from it. Even after leaving Illinois post-graduation from Libertyville High in '85, Chicago was a place in her heart more than a place on the map. 

And it wouldn't take long for her life's path to come into view – because in late June of 1990 in a very upstanding bar, with only the most discerning clientele, a place called “Bootleggers Bar,” she would meet her husband-to-be. “Gaynor Darwin Bullock.” A man with whom she would share her life, her love, and her joy with – a man who she would marry on December 28th of 1991. Together they would move to California and build a world of wonder and love for their son, Chaz, who would join them on July 27th 1994. 

In her life, she was a woman who wore many hats – carnival barker, consultant, saleswoman, clerk, and aside from her full-time position as “mom,” there was none she loved so much as her position as an interpreter and translator. Her jobs said as much about her as anyone else could – any job that gave her an excuse to talk to people, to make them feel heard, respected; was a good job to her. Because the people around her fueled that fire in her heart, and so it was to those people that she sought to share that warmth with – she took so little, but gave so much. 

Her passion for others aside, there was always a burning love for sports – or rather, a burning love for the Chicago Bears and Cubs. A love which looked more like a religion to the untrained eye – but having framed pictures, themed jewelry and a small sweatshop of jerseys, shirts, and hats just means you're a true fan. 

Her love for her teams was something matched only with her love for the beach. She spent many mornings and evenings with the waves as her shoes and a fresh sunrise as a “Good morning,” or a dreamy sunset as an “I'll see you tomorrow.”

Vanessa was preceded by her brother Ricardo, who will no doubt welcome her with open arms and a carpet of flowers. She is survived by her parents Tatty and Radames Lamenza, as well as her son, Chaz Bullock. And she is loved more than words can convey.

 Thank you for your love. Thank you for your heart. Thank you for the joy. Thank you for being you.