Anna “NaNa” Marie Cadice Chimeno, 90, of Beaumont, died Tuesday, June 17, 2014. She was born on January 29, 1924, to Antonina and Vito Cadice, in St. Louis, Missouri. She grew up there where she had many responsibilities at a very young age, many of which are unheard of this day and age. At the age of 8, Ann was responsible for coming home from school, preparing a homemade dinner, and caring for her younger siblings while her parents completed their day of work. Ann went on to work in a strenuous dress factory at the tender age of 16 where she sewed many items of clothing, as well as modeled some of the items she produced.

In 1942, Ann met the love of her life, Sam J. Chimeno, while he was in St. Louis visiting relatives. They married on September 23, 1945, and moved down to Beaumont to begin their new life together. Ann and Sam established numerous “mom and pop” stores. In 1980, they founded the well-renowned Sam’s Package Store in Beaumont. Throughout these ventures you could always find her right beside Sam’s side, tirelessly helping all the way… putting in up to fifteen hour days for many, many years.  She was well known for the great aromas she dispelled as she tirelessly cooked many lunches and dinners for her family in the kitchen. The customers would love to come in to see what Ann was cooking that day.

Along with the hard work she did, she all the while raised two children whom her and Sam dearly loved and gave absolutely wonderful love, homes, and lives to. Oh, they were so well loved by their parents and never lacked of anything. Ann and Sam displayed essential traits of the true love of parents. The undying selflessness of Ann was a remarkable trait.

Ann was also known for the delicious main courses of Sunday lunch she prepared for her family. More than one main dish! That’s right! Her Sunday lunch consisted of her amazing palate pleasing Italian spaghetti followed by homemade fried chicken, homemade potato salad, Italian style green beans, salad, bread, and then hand-rolled pie crust with a homemade filling. Ohhh, the time she diligently put into this with never a complaint. This was only one of the ways she had of showing the love she had for her family. She was also known for her delicious Italian soft biscotti cookies she hand rolled each year, well into her older years, as well as her loved pressed cookies.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Sam J. Chimeno, two brothers, and one sister. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Chimeno Montalbano and her husband, Martin, of Beaumont; son, Michael Victor Chimeno and his wife, Tara, of Sour Lake; grandchildren, Heather Owens and her husband, Grant, of Richmond, Texas; Dustin Montalbano and his fiancée, Traci Mcanally, and her son, Tray Sons, of Beaumont; Chelsea Montalbano of Huntsville; Levi Chimeno and his wife, Emily, of Lumberton; Michelle Chimeno of Kyle; Morgan Chimeno of Sour Lake; and Monica Chimeno of Sour Lake; great-grandchildren, Sophie Owens, Claire Owens of Richmond, Texas, Celia Chimeno, and baby boy Chimeno of Lumberton; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the many caregivers who have so lovingly and tirelessly given themselves to care for our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Also, special thanks go to Dr. Nathan Marchand, Dr. Timothy Colgan, Dr. Greg Gilbreath, Dr. Jose Lozano, and their staffs.  We are forever grateful to you.

A gathering Mrs. Chimeno’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with her Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, June 19, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 20, 2014, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Chimeno’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Foundation, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

Ann will be greatly missed and will never be forgotten. Mama, “NaNa”, we love you with all our hearts and you will remain in our hearts, prayers, and thoughts forever. Until we meet again…