Juan Jose & Maria Rebeca Campama

Maria Rebeca was born August 20, 1939 in Santiago, Chile. She was an only child but never alone. Her mother, Rebeca, came from a family of four children, offering Rebeca the opportunity to grow up with many cousins who became like her own brothers and sisters.

Rebeca attended a German, All-Girls school where in addition to Spanish, she learned French, English and German. Her German proficiency included the ability to sing in German. She proudly shared this with the Hospice Music therapist who visited and took requests of music she enjoyed. While singing Christmas Carols together, with a big smile, she asked if the therapist knew Silent Night, to which she replied, “yes” until Queca finished the request with,” in German”. As an older teen, she had training in a hospital, where she assisted patients with various needs.

Queca loved to read, sew and knit. She was a voracious reader with a large book collection. Her talent for knitting was a gift. Queca enjoyed knitting sweaters and baby clothes for her children and her grandchildren. She and her mother, “Mami” were quick and prolific at knitting. So much so, that they knit sweaters for the men who were working for P&R Farms. They were thrilled to be able to offer these warm sweaters to the men that were so far from home.

She loved animals and especially dogs. She had many dogs, cats and even birds over the years. Her most recent four-legged companion, was Miko. He was always at her side, even at the end of her life. He supervised all visitors and enjoyed most of the food that she did.

Queca was a beautiful, young woman. As was the custom in Chilean society, when she was 16, a debutant ball was held in her honor. She described the gown she wore and recalled that the dances were usually waltzes. She had the opportunity to dance with many young men but one special young man caught her eye. A tall, slender, dark haired handsome gentleman, Juan Jose Campama Socias who was two years older. The two fell in love and eventually married on July 6,1958.

Following their marriage, they moved outside of Santiago to a small, rural town called Llay-LLay. Juan had studied Agriculture and was ready to take on a ranch with a dairy of his own. They started their family with arrival of their first of four sons, Juan Jose in 1959. Antonio arrived in 1960, Gonzalo in 1963 and then Francisco in 1968. Their precious daughter, Beca was born in 1962 but went to be with the Lord in 1970, shortly before the family left Chile to start a new life in the United States.

Juan was offered two opportunities outside of Chile, one in Argentina and one in the United States. He chose to move his family to Clovis, California, where he took a job with P&R Farms as a Farm Manager. The family moved into a company home and started their new life. Juan was recognized for his knowledge, work ethic and the ability to help others learn. He took great pride in being self-sufficient and declined any assistance that was offered to new immigrant families. He was grateful for the opportunities afforded to him in America and made the most of them by quickly buying his own home and providing college educations for his sons. Juan built his own company, Frupco and became a well-known resource for Chilean and other South American business people looking for exporting and importing services. Juan was outgoing, friendly and loved life. He was an excellent dancer and as Queca said, “I found one of the last real gentlemen in the world.”

When they came to Clovis, they were happy to connect with many other Chilean people in the area. Some were college students who came to study at Fresno State University. Juan, Queca and their boys became an extended family for these folks, who were far from home. They hosted parties regularly featuring barbeque, music, dancing and a taste of home. So many of these people became treasured, lifelong friends. Throughout his life, Juan helped others who were committed to hard work, find the sponsorship they needed, to be successful in this country.

Juan and Queca were married for 62 years. They shared a love and commitment to each other and their family, that is a precious gift that lives on. They enjoyed being grandparents and great-grandparents. They will be remembered for their love of playing dominos, card games, spending time together at Cayucos or just snuggling the little ones. Seeing their family continue to grow brought them great joy!

Juan left us in August of 2020, which was a difficult year to fully celebrate his life and legacy, so today, we celebrate Juan and Queca, their love and memory will continue on through the Campama family and all who loved them.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns and Blair, 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, CA 93720 at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Campama family.