Ms. Esperanza Burciaga

Family and friends, today we gather to remember and honor the remarkable life of a woman who truly made a difference in mine, Ms. Esperanza Burciaga (Espi).

To lose a Mother is to lose a piece of your soul. My Mother was no exception. My Mom was the center of my life, my backbone, my biggest cheerleader and without her, I feel lost. I'm angry, I'm confused, and I miss her so, so, very much.

My Mother Esperanza Burciaga is survived by her four children, whom she loved very much. Vince Jimenez, Denise Estrada, Dina Dimas & me, Desiree Cartagena. Along with 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, and 1 Mr. Teddy.

Espi was the third eldest of her siblings, Olga Burciaga, Domingo Burciaga, Joey Burciaga, Diana Estrada, Tony Estrada, Junior Estrada, Margarita Estrada, and Eva Estrada.

Born in Sanderson Texas on a winter day, January 20, 1947. As a child, her mother Juanita Gutierrez Burciaga, born in Del Rio, Texas and father Domingo Burciaga, born in Pearsall, Texas, they migrated from Texas to San Jose, California where they laid her foundation. My Mother never ventured far from here. This was her stomping ground and I never thought she would leave San Jose, she did, for me. Thank you, Mom, I would not have what I have today without your sacrifice and support.

My Mother was the pillar of our family, and the strongest, most stubborn pig-headed woman I’ve ever known. Looking back on my childhood, I realized she carried a heavy burden to be a caregiver in life to her siblings. Always opening her home, with that came many frustrations. She was a single parent who sacrificed happiness for her children. She did everything in her power to keep us safe and together. She displayed a military style of discipline in our home “literally.” Gladiator I salute you.

My Mother made many good & poor choices in life, but I would not change anything today. For life lessons have shaped us to be who we are today. Always carefully listening and observing them. Thank you, Mommy, I am immensely proud of you and all the tough love.

All my life, I will never understand how my Mother created miracles for her children. She wore many hats. She was truly a jack of all trades. Healer, cook, crafty hobbyist, handyman, event planner, cocktail waitress, and a store manager, etc.

As they say in Texas, go big or go home. Which is the perfect phrase to describe my Mother. Every Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Birthdays and/or picnic was, over the top “perfect.” Thank you for your hustle, Mom, you made miracles happen!

With that said, she could not have done it without her backbone either, a tribute to my aunt Olga Burciaga. Thank you for always sticking by our Mom. For always handing her the bat, steadily running behind her always “Let’s get those MF!” The pair of you were thick as thieves. She loved you so very much. Thank you for loving your baby sister, Espi.

Our Mother was passionate about volunteering her time to Catholic Charities and local senior community centers. She was also involved with the local daycare as well, ensuring the children all had Halloween costumes yearly. Mom would enroll in needed families to receive food baskets during the holiday season. She would endlessly bake goody baskets on her own and include them. Yearly she would be given the name of a family in need and go above and beyond to make their holiday so special. Momma would include homemade Christmas wreaths and gift cards alongside these offerings. She was overjoyed during this time of year putting everything together so that these families needing help would have a beautiful holiday! Growing up, my Mom was never ashamed and was always thankful to have organizations like these assist her. It was her mission to give back for the help she had received in life “Momma made miracles every holiday for us growing up!”

This has been one of the hardest times for me and my family to go through. To lose our Queen is devastating to say the least!

Sadly, she battled lung cancer which came to an end at the age of 76. “But” let us not mourn her passing, Instead, let us Celebrate the Life She Lived and the joy she brought to countless individuals through her delicious and unforgettable meals. It was my Mom‘s way of expressing her love when she did not have money to buy gifts. This was her Miracle superpower; her apron was her cape. Momma made miracles through her meals, the kitchen was her battle ground sanctuary where she found peace in providing Life and sustenance. It is what she did BEST, look around the room as everybody is nodding their heads! The Kitchen was Her therapeutic arena, where she was our personal Champion Chef. Through those meals, little did we know at the time, she was creating her Army of culinary masters that would share her recipes, and stories where the First ingredient was always LOVE!

Super Bowl will never be the same Momma, but I promise to always root for the Cowboys! Can I get an AMEN! Thank You! WE promise to walk you into the Dallas stadium during a playoffs game. Just give US time.

Momma, I told you, GOD was planning the most ultimate home coming for you. Everyone is invited! Sound the horns. We love you forever. Rest in peace Mommy with Petey, Moto and Tila and your family and friends.

Signed,

A Daughters Promise!