Ernestina Perez

She was born on May 11, 1938 in Mocorito, Sinaloa, Mexico. She was the third of five children. As a child, she was playful and adventurous, spending lots of time with her cousin Rubestina and her grandparents, affectionately known as Manina and Yaya. She took her first train ride at 11 years old to Tijuana. And that is where she began planting the roots of her family.

At 17, while working as a cashier at the Almacenes del Norte furniture store, she met Candelario Gallardo, her future husband. They were married two years later in 1957. She became a mother for the first time in 1959. She had a total of six children whom she treasured.

Ernestina spent 17 years as a housewife, caring for her children and creating a loving home for them. She also spent 15 years providing for her family, working in the hospitality industry from 1985 to 2000. She retired at the age of 62.

She had many interests and passions throughout her life. And anyone who knew her was aware that she was constantly surrounded by collections of her favorite animal - owls. She was forever devoted to her patron saint, St Jude. She was always a very active woman and never afraid to learn something new. She took cake decorating classes and made cakes for her family and for many special occasions. She took sewing classes and made dresses for her daughters and family. She had an affinity for glamour and style. She never missed an opportunity to dress up for a party or get her hair done. She took pride in tending to her garden and loved to be surrounded by flowers. She enjoyed ice cream, movies, and a good novela. She became passionate about sports later in life following the Yankees and Padres, Mexico’s Chicharito, and her beloved Ronaldo and Messi.

Her most cherished treasure was her family. Whether it was caring for her own 6 children, caring for her nieces and nephews as they were her own, or constantly checking in and looking out for her sisters and extended family, she never ran out of love to give. Never missing a phone call to them on their birthday. She welcomed everyone into her home - it was the typical gathering spot for any party. Never empty, filled with laughter and music, a safe haven for all.

She enjoyed life until the very end. Always up for anything. Always proper, never uttering a bad word. She valued family and unity. Her passion, love, lessons, strength, dignity, and compassion live on in all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Luz Perez, husband Candelario, her sisters Melida, Hilda, Estela, and her granddaughter, Sophie. She leaves behind six children (Ligia, Marco, Romy, Ernestina, Veronica, and Julio), 13 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.