Obituary of Victoria Contreras

Victoria Contreras, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Denville on September 25, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She had shared 90 years of unconditional love, unwavering faith, unrivaled dedication, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends. 

Born in Angol, Chile, to the late Marcelina Oñate and Miguel Bascur, Victoria’s journey began in a vibrant town where she graduated high school and attended secretarial school. Her professional life blossomed at El Vergel Agricultural School, where she met her future husband, Gustavo Contreras. With a heart full of courage, she embarked on a new chapter when she married him and moved to the United States, bravely navigating a new culture and language.

Victoria’s strength and tenacity were evident as she adapted to her new life. She quickly became a devoted mother to three beautiful children: Vivian, Clara, and Gustavo. While her husband worked long hours, she raised their family with love and steadfast faith in God. Her warm spirit and kindness drew many friends to her as a counselor, confidant and prayer partner. She had many a gal pal that she would do lunch with. She spent many years within the welcoming embrace of the Denville Community United Methodist Church where she was a member of the United Methodist Women, the Priscilla quilters, the prayer chain and attended many Bible studies and visited her buddies at Bristol Glen.

A woman of faith her family never left the house, took a test, took medicine without her hands-on prayer and blessing. She infused their home with her beautiful voice and Christian music. A passionate gardener she kept her home pretty outside as she did the inside. She had a special knack for cooking, despite her modesty about it; all her kids and their friends would say so. Always prepared, she was the quintessential “mom of all moms,” known for having a tissue or snack ready for anyone in need.

Victoria was sweet, kind, and gentle, embodying the values of family and faith above all else. Her warmth touched everyone she met; to know her was truly to love her. She was the best wife, mother, and grandmother one could ever wish for, leaving behind a legacy of adoration, devotion, and strength.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gustavo Contreras; her cherished children, Vivian, Clara (Leonard, Jr.) Raab, and Gustavo L. Contreras; her adored grandchildren, Carolina Victoria Contreras, Leonard III, Luke Raab, and Justin (step grandson), Isabella, Caitlin, and Gia Contreras, and their mother, Natalie Contreras; her siblings, Laura Bascur Oñate and Omar Bascur Oñate; dozens of nieces and nephews here and across the globe; and countless dear extended family and friends.

A celebration of her life will be private. Please honor her remarkable spirit here with a condolence or your favorite memory. We will continue to let her light shine bright and her family will cherish them forever. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by way of www.inmemof.org.