Maria Eva Ortiz-Ackerman

I was born on February 17, 1920 in Oputo, Sonora, Mexico. My Parents are Eduardo Ackerman and Antonina Fimbres. I met my husband Andres in Nacozari, Mexico. We were married there on December 20, 1941.

We had our first child, Aida in October 1942 in Nacozari. Andres worked for the American Copper Mining Company which closed shortly after Aida was born.

We then decided to follow my sister Amelia & her husband Manuel to Tijuana and looked for stable work. Andres was unable to secure any work, so he looked to the United States for possible work opportunities. He had relatives already living in Los Angeles, his aunt tia Lola and they were willing to sponsor him enabling him to enter the United States.

He crossed the border & immediately Andres was inducted into the United States Navy. Andres flourished in the Navy. He polished his English and Mechanical skills. (He could fix anything!)

After World War II, I was able to immigrate to the United States. At that time housing wasn't readily available, but with the Navy's help, Andres found us housing, a Quanset Hut. Shortly after, Bertha was born in 1947.

We always dreamed of owing our own home, which we purchased in Pico Rivera. We lived there for many years. Both my sons were born there, Andy and William..the joys of Andres.

Our weekends were usually spent traveling to Tijuana to visit my sisters, Amelia, Elen, Carmen and their families. After several years both my brother Roberto and sister, Mercedes also came to live in Tijuana. My sister Trinidad lived in Mexico City but visited often. My brother, Jesus, was always a wanderer, but he did try and visit often.

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May sunshine warm your face.

The rain fall softly on your life

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

I always dreamed of traveling the world even though I was born in a small town and didn't have any formal education. Imagine ME, I was able to visit, Spain, England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Russia, Poland, Mexico City, Canada, Alaska and most of the United States. I loved to see a different perspective on life.

I loved it and my children were proud of me. As you can see my life has been full of many different experiences. I loved my family unconditionally and they loved me.

See you someday in my new travels.

Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.