Maria Elena Rubio

Maria Elena "Nena" C. Rubio January 27, 1938 - September 1, 2011 Maria Elena was born in Cedillos, Chihuahua, Mexico. She was the daughter of Evaristo and Simona Rubio. Her family immigrated to the United States under the Brazero program in 1955 and settled in Pecos, Texas. Eventually, she and her husband joined most of her siblings that had already settled in Bakersfield, California. Nena loved music, she loved to sing and to dance. She enjoyed traveling and winning a good debate. She was proud of many accomplishments but none greater than her children and their spouses; Sandra Lara, Lupe and Esther Lara, Fred and Zina Lara, Steve Lara, George and Helen Lara, Fernando and Lee Lara and Felipe and Leticia Sanchez. Going by her newest names of "Abuelita" or "Lita", her loving arms gave warmth and comfort to 21 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren which were all equally loved and spoiled. The smell of homemade tortillas and mouth-watering spices filled the air every Sunday morning at the weekly open house buffet-style brunch. In her home and her kitchen, all were welcome. Even though there is now a void in our lives, we know she is laughing out loud and kissing the faces of the angels that have gone before her - her parents, her siblings; Antonio, Manuel, Luciano and Juan Rubio, Ramona Aceves and Maria Herrera and her most precious son Lupe Lara Jr. She was too feisty for a long dragged out illness. We are thankful that one minute she was laughing and visiting over a cup of coffee and one hour later peacefully went to sleep. She will be extremely missed by her sisters Eva Martinez and Elvia Rubio, her children and hundreds of nieces, nephews and cousins. Special thanks and appreciation to "el chulo" Dr. Debarros and Lupita at Kaiser Permanente for being so caring and diligent with her medical care and to our local heroes at the Kern County Fire Department for their heroic efforts in her last moments. Pallbearers are Raymond Sanchez, Abram Sanchez, Nick Lara, Michael Lara, Eric Lara, Anthony Lara, A.J. Cruz and Steven Lara Jr. Honorary Pallbearer is Vincent P. Lara. Visitation: Wednesday, September 7, from 4-8 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel with Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Service: Thursday, September 8, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.