Encarnasion Valenzuela

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Encarnasion Valenzuela who was indeed a born manager. She will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. She was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with her throughout her life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Encarnasion was an individual who clearly communicated to those around her just who she was and what she was all about. Everyone acquainted with Encarnasion knew her as a well-respected woman who was a stable force in her community.

Encarnasion was born on March 25, 1919 in Ojocalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico. Her parents were Miguel Aranda and Juana Munoz. Encarnasion was raised in Ojocaliente, Calvillo. Even as a youngster, Encarnasion learned to be objective and decisive. Her faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that she carried with her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Encarnasion was able to put her natural abilities to work. She was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, she liked to organize and direct. Encarnasion was raised with seven siblings. She had three brothers, Pedro, Eufemio, Juan, and four sisters, Antonia, Lazara and two Jessucitas. Encarnasion had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Encarnasion, this was a natural order of life, one she gladly embraced.

Encarnasion's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during her childhood. As a young girl, Encarnasion enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. She was a member of Las Guadalupanas. In her spare time she liked to crochet, cook, sew, garden, and sing.

Encarnasion was sociable and approachable. Because she was always so straightforward in how she approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. She enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. She wasn’t afraid to confront her friends and, when necessary, she challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Encarnasion came to expect her high standards of performance. While growing up, some of her best friends were Luisa Diaz and Romana. Later in life, she became friends with Leonor, Josefina, Inez, Rafaela, Socorro, Ermerlinda, Irene, and rosary group members.

An objective and conscientious individual, Encarnasion reveled in the security of her family. On January 31, 1936 Encarnasion exchanged wedding vows with Nicolas Valenzuela Loera at the Iglesia de Calvillo, Aguascalientes of Calvillo, Aguascalientes. One of Encarnasion’s most endearing qualities was her uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and her unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for her family and friends.

Encarnasion was ever watchful of her children. She worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. She maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Encarnasion would give her stamp of approval to their requests, as long as she could see how they might benefit. She also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that her children were properly raised. Encarnasion was blessed with eleven children, three sons, Nicolas, Salvadore, and Miguel, and eight daughters, Maria, Cuca, Chona, Lupe, Silvia, Martha, Juana, and Eva.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Encarnasion was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. She was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Encarnasion was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. She worked cooperatively and expected the same from her colleagues. In both her personal and professional environments, Encarnasion upheld her standards. Her primary occupation was seamstress. She was employed for 16 years at DeWeese Swimsuits and she was a homemaker. Encarnasion was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

Encarnasion approached her leisure time in the same manner that she approached her life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, she appreciated the hours she was able to devote to her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were sewing, singing, gardening, cooking, socializing and family. Encarnasion was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Faith was important to Encarnasion. She held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay she saw around her. For that reason she held deep spiritual beliefs that she was willing to share. She was a member of Immaculate Conception for 25 years and St. Aloysius for 30 years. During that time, she was a member of Las Guadalupanas.

When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Encarnasion used her scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that she made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Encarnasion had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Holy Land, Rome, Mexico, Egypt, Thorton, California, Arizona, Fatima, camping at Yosemite, Rosarito, Big Bear, and Fiesta de Ojocalientes.

Encarnasion was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her family was rounded out by her Birds, Canaries, Cockatiel, and Dogs (Peanut and Nadeu).

When Encarnasion’s retirement finally arrived in 1981, she was well prepared. She used her critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Her new life involved relocating to Los Angeles, California. In retirement, she found new pleasure in helping with children newborns and baby stand travel. In many ways, Encarnasion loved retirement. It provided her with the opportunity to catch up with her friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

Encarnasion passed away on July 1, 2010 at home in Duarte, California. She is survived by eleven children and thirty seven grandchildren, seventy one great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren. Services were held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Monrovia, California. Encarnasion was laid to rest in Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.

All who knew her would agree that Encarnasion was a pillar of the community. She lived her life with her feet firmly on the ground. She had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in her thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. She was willing to share her ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Encarnasion Valenzuela did her best to ensure that her family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life she touched were given the chance to become a better person.