Epifania Reyes Garate

In the song of life, Epifania Reyes Garate was surely the composer. A very observant woman who would rather spend her time creating than talking, Epifania preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around her made sense. In fact, she depended on her sensory world to provide her with concrete data. A free spirit, Epifania believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. She seemed to know what fit and what didn’t fit in everything she did. Epifania perceived that all of life’s possibilities were open to her, yet she lived with a definite sense of purpose. She was a woman who was always ready to share her creations with those around her.

Epifania was born on April 6, 1924 in San Pedro, Tesistian Jalisco, Mexico. Her parents were Guadalupe Reyes and Cirilo Garate. Epifania was raised in San Pedro, Tesistian Jalisco, Mexico. As a young child, Epifania was optimistic in her outlook. She sought out the possibilities in a given situation and looked for ways to apply her creative energies. Epifania rarely calling attention to herself, but when she did speak out, her message was clearly understood by those around her.

Early on in her family relationships, Epifania showed that she was a tolerant and flexible person, and she got along fairly well with everyone. She was raised with eight siblings. She had five sisters, Paula, Virginia, Amelia, Felisa, and Eva, and three brothers, Eliodoro, Antonio, and Ruben. She was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As she was growing up, Epifania developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and she took pleasure in using her hands in order to create. Whether it was drawing pictures, working with building kits, or even just tapping out a rhythm to play by, Epifania liked concrete things. In her spare time she liked knitting. However, to Epifania, the most fun she had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Those who didn’t know Epifania well might not view her as being an outgoing person, those who called her their friend knew differently. Epifania was shy and sensitive, a person who never forced her opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that her kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Epifania’s, you understood how true a friend she could be. While growing up, some of her best friends were Petra Zarragosa and Angela Garate. Later in life, she became friends with Jesus Aguilar, Maria Gomez, and Marcelina Anaya.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Epifania had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. In 1945, Epifania exchanged wedding vows with her life partner Salvador R. Valencia at the La Iglesia de San Pedro in San Pedro, Tesistian, Mexico.

Epifania was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to her children. These emotional bonds made her as much playmate as parent. She gave her family unconditional love and kindness, sharing her artistic nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Epifania was blessed with four children, one daughter, Guadalupe, and three sons, Victor, Miguel, and Salvador. She was also blessed with twelve grandchildren, Yesenia, Rebecca, Maribel, Victor, Soila, Maricela, Angelica, Pedro, Martha, Sandra, Reyna, and Miguel.

Epifania found ways to enjoy what she did for a living. She worked hard and did her best to succeed every day. Her primary occupation was as a housewife. Epifania tended to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing her will on others.

Epifania enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were knitting. Epifania was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others. She was relaxed in her approach to her leisure time because she wanted to savor the present moment.

Epifania’s faith was important to her. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Church. Epifania's passionate commitment to upholding her values placed her at home in her religion, where she took comfort in the company of others who believed as she did.

Epifania passed away on March 27, 2012 at San Jose Regional Hospital. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the rest of her family and friends. Services were held at the Sacred Heart Church in San Jose, California. Epifania was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

Epifania was a good woman, a kind woman, and a practical woman who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. She leaves behind her a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Epifania always had much to give and was able to make those connections in her life where her gifts were appreciated. Epifania was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Epifania Reyes Garate.