GoFundMe Page Set Up to Help Family Pay Funeral Costs for Grandmother Killed in Hit and Run Accident

Guadalupe "Tita" Chavez Dean, 42, with her children, Damien and Breezy. | Family photo

Chicago, IL -- A GoFundMe page has been set by the family of a beloved grandmother who was killed by an alleged hit and run driver late Saturday evening.

Guadalupe "Tita" Chavez Dean, 42, and a male friend were crossing South Archer Avenue near LaVergne Street on foot when police said they were struck by red Jeep speeding through the intersection.

• Also on Patch: Chicago Man Charged in Fatal Hit and Run of Grandmother

Dean, who became a grandmother six months ago, was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where she was later pronounced dead. Her friend was treated and released from another hospital.

The 27-year-old driver of the vehicle has since been charged with reckless homicide and DUI.

Now, the woman’s children are faced with the sad task of planning their mother and grandmother’s funeral.

“This all is a living nightmare for the people who know Tita. We all really love Tita. She was also very young, only 40 years old. We wish this didn’t happen but it did, and now all we can do is show her respect and give her a beautiful funeral that she deserves.”

Her children are trying to raise $15,000 to pay for their mother’s funeral. To date, the family has raised $3,620.

A donor wrote that “Tita was one of the kindest people I have ever met. She will truly be missed by all of those whose heart she touched. But it's only temporary we will all be United again in heaven.”

In addition to her son, Damien, 21, and a 6-month-old grandson, Dean leaves a 14-year-old daughter, Breezy. Dean was a home care nurse who often put in 60-hour weeks caring for gravely ill patients. She was also a role model to younger girls, her family said.