Felipa Pillado Gonzales

Longtime Ventura County resident Felipa Gonzales, 99, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 7, 2012, surrounded by her family at her home in Oxnard. Felipa was born February 5, 1913, in Jimenez, Mexico, to the Union of Jose and Josefa Pillado.

In 1917-1920 the Pillado family migrated to Rocky Ford, Colorado. In 1940 along with her family, relatives and friends, she arrived at the old Sugar Beet Factory in Oxnard, California, camping under the eucalyptus trees.

In search of work, Felipa settled in Saticoy in 1952. She then relocated her family back to Oxnard where she lived for 56 years. Our mother was a very dedicated

and honest employee and worked for many prominent county families including the Borchard, Daily, and Janss families. Later she worked for Oxnard Frozen Foods and the Teamsters Union until her retirement.

Felipa was a fantastic cook and loved cooking for her family and friends. Felipa and her brother, Vicente, were known to always take first place in dancing contests back in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Her hobbies included sewing beautiful items for her family and friends in Saticoy and she received great joy from tending to her beautiful garden until the age of 95.

Felipa is survived by her daughters, Frances Magana, Lupe Mireles, Julia Camacho; daughters and sons-in-law Eugenia and Frank Ortiz and Dolores and Brian Husted; sons and daughters-in-law, Manuel and Helen Gonzales, John and Beverly Gonzales and Larry and Barbara Gonzales; 36 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 15 great great-grandchildren; brothers, Manuel Pillado, Herminio Pillado, Tony (Dora) Pillado and sister, Esperaza De Los Santos.

Felipa was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Ladislado Leslie Gonzales, grandson, Frank Ortiz, Jr., and son-in-law, Avelino Mireles.

The Gonzales family would like to thank her primary care physician Dr. Michael Bailey and her care givers Esther Novarette, Irma and Irmita Barragon for the loving care they gave their mother. Many thanks also to Vitas Hospice.

“We will treasure her priceless and funny memories forever in our hearts. God has taken her to Heaven until we meet again.”

Visitation will take place Wednesday, September 12, 2:00 P.M. until 5:00P.M. with a Rosary beginning 7:00 P.M. at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.

Mass of Christian burial will take place Thursday, September 13, 2012, 11:00 A.M. at Sacred Heart Church, 10800 Henderson Road, Ventura, with Father Steve Davoren officiating. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.