Modesta Esquivel

Nena was raised in Chula Vista, California, the daughter of Febe Lopez Reyes and Serapio Reyes, and sister to Evangelina Guzman. The sisters shared a deep bond filled with laughter, love, and joy, and their closeness was a source of strength and happiness throughout Nena’s life.

In 1961, Nena married the love of her life, Edward W. Esquivel. Together, they built a life filled with love, raising six children — four boys and two girls. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2011. Edward passed away in 2012.

She is survived by her children:

• William Esquivel

• Edward Esquivel Jr.

• Rosalee Aleman and her husband Aldo Aleman

• John Esquivel and his wife Carmen Esquivel

• Lydia Ambriz and her husband Gilbert Ambriz

She was preceded in death by her son, Raymond Esquivel. Nena also leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Nena loved her family deeply and cherished every holiday, decorating her home beautifully to celebrate each one. She was the matriarch of our family and a devoted homemaker, staying home to care for her children while her husband worked. She also lovingly cared for her grandchildren and had a special gift for making each one laugh.

She enjoyed going to the casino with her husband, traveling near and far to play the machines, including trips to Las Vegas and Oregon. Nena had a love for the color yellow, loved reading books, and cherished her dogs, Chencha (deceased) and Lulu. She loved birds and collected birdhouses, and she had a gift for knitting and crochet, creating beautiful blankets, little dresses, sweaters, booties, and hats for friends and family. She also made quilts with love, cared for her garden, and grew beautiful flowers in her yard.

Nena loved to dance, visit her cousins, and enjoy mariachi music — a joy she was able to experience again earlier this month. Her grandchildren lit up her life, and she shared a special bond with each of them. She had a sweet tooth and delighted in enjoying treats with her coffee and mocha mix. Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh could light up any room. Nena left a mark on all our hearts, and we will miss her forever.

Nena was a woman of extraordinary resilience. She survived a brain aneurysm in 2020, overcame Covid that same year, and later fought and won against cancer in 2023. Her strength and perseverance were unmatched, and her determination for more life inspired everyone around her.