Cruz Bejarano "Nana China"

(originally from Nogales AZ) Passed away on June 21, 2017

This is her life story:

She was born in Amado, AZ and raised in Arivaca, AZ and later in Tucson, AZ.

Born to parents Rosa and Rosario Valenzuela into a family of eleven brothers and sisters, she was the second child of the eleven children. She so enjoyed living on the ranch in Arivaca and would often speak about her life there. And what happy times she and her brothers and sisters had as they grew up. She also fondly remembered spending time at her grandparent’s home in Tubac. Cruz loved being a part of such a large family. The closeness and love they all had for each other was and continues to be immense.

When Cruz was to start high school , she moved to Nogales, AZ. there she lived with her aunt and uncle Ernestina and Miguel Ahumada and their children. She became a part of their family, while she attended school. Her memories of her times in Nogales were beautiful. Cousins Licha and Clarita became sisters to her and remained so very special to her.

It is here in Nogales that she met her future husband, Esequiel "Zeke" Bejarano. She would always say it had been love at first sight. They married September 30 1941. They continued their marriage until his passing in 1991, a 50 year run. Her daughters often remembered what a beautiful marriage it had been. Still after so many years, they would still hold hands and her eyes would light up when he walked in the room. Three children were born to this marriage; 1 son and 2 daughters. Sergio, who passed away shortly after birth and daughters Olivia and Becky

Cruz and Zeke lived in Nogales AZ the majority of their marriage. where they owned and operated a small grocery store on Bejarano St (Kino Parkway) Zeke worked in law enforcement for most of their married life. He was the Sheriff of Santa Cruz Co.

Cruz Absolutely loved living in Nogales. Her friends were many. She belonged to many different clubs including the Primavera Extension Homemakers.

Her favorite of all was a group of ladies who would get together to make food baskets for families in need. They would also buy dolls and toys, enhancing the dolls by dressing them in clothes made by them. These ladies were expert seamstress and the clothes they sewed and knitted for the dolls were beautiful. The dolls and toys were then handed out to the children at the Nogales Sonora Orphanage during Christmas time. Cruz herself was a great seamstress often sewing her daughters school clothes and Always making their prom dresses. Time and time again, each dress was beautifully detailed. She taught her daughters sew and they in turn made many of their clothes. She also enjoyed volunteering at the schools. First, in elementary school heading PTA meeting and later at the Nogales High School, where she helped with the yearly Tamale Fund raiser for the majorettes.

In 1980, after Zeke retired they moved to Tucson (much to Zeke's discontent) Daughters Olivia and Becky already lived there and Cruz wanted to be close to her daughters.

In 1981, she became the proud Nana to Phillip Andrew and in 1984 again proud Nana to Gabriel Esteban. Nana China cared for Andres and Gabriel before school, after school, summers and weekends. The boys loved staying at their home Andres and Gabriel remember her always playing games with her from “Toro” to “Mr. McGregor” and always allowing us to help in the kitchen. Nana China certainly played a big part in influencing Andres’ love for cooking as she always had home cooked meals. Her specialties included Sopa, which always comforted us when we were sick. I can always remember Nana China always having some sort of baked goods around the house from empanadas, to cookies, to the famous pineapple upside down cake and of course her infamous Biscochuelos.

Nana China was very much involved in her Grandsons lives, always attending every special moment from school awards, presentations, sports and activities, to showing us how much she loved us every holiday, birthday or just because. She would always give us a card, tell us home much she loved us and always give us money to save in the bank or put in our sock to hide under the bed for a rainy day. Her grandkids have always brought great joy to her life. Every time Andres or Gabriel walked into the room her face would light up and she would smile from ear to ear. The same smile and joy that Andres and Gabriel brought her was doubled by her Great Grandchildren Andres (“Andrescito”) and Dominick.

The amount of love Nana China will always be felt in our hearts, her joy came in seeing all of us being happy. Simple visits to the house would always include being feed, hugs, kisses and always a slip of $20 bill into your pocket. Her Great Grandchildren loved that!

Nana China blessed all us with so many memories, we are all so fortunate to have had her apart of our lives. She will be missed greatly but she will live on with the many memories, pictures, recipes, gifts and time that we had the opportunity to spend with her.

Cruz is predeceased by her parents Rosa and Rosario, Husband Esequiel Zeke Bejarano , baby boy Sergio. Brothers Alfredo, Mike, Guillermo "Bill" Valenzuela Sisters Clara Aguirre, and Ysarua Rodriguez.

Survived by Daughters Olivia Bejarano and Becky Montes (Phillip), Grandson Gabriel Esteban Montes. Grandson, Phillip "Andres" Montes, his wife Kathleen their children and her Great Grandchildren Dominick and Andres. Sisters: Virginia Sandoval, Rose Gloria Federico and Mary Lou De La Torre. Brothers Rosario "Chuck " Valenzuela and Alonzo Valenzuela. God Children, nieces and nephews.

Celebration of her life

Visitation 9 am to 10:30 am

prayer service 10:30 by Deacon Gilbert Gutierrez

Eulogy by grandson Phillip Andrew

Music and songs by George Bejarano and Mariachi Alegre

12 noon gravesite service

Reception to follow at South Lawn Reception room

We wish to thank Casa de la Luz Hospice Staff especially Admission Nurse Patti Dexter RN for her attention to our mother's needs.

Dr Irene Duarte Mother's primary care doctor and Melissa (Dr Duarte's Nurse) for all the kindness care and attention that was given to mom over the years.

To Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, Juventino Solano for his gentleness and kindness during this time.