Ida Baquera Santellano

Ida was born to Felipe and Carmen Baquera on September 15, 1941 in Morenci, Arizona. In her early childhood, the family moved to New Mexico where she would enjoy the sounds of trickling water from the Rio Grande River outside of her bedroom window. Her family would then move to Fresno, California when Ida was in grade school. Shortly after, Ida would start working at the Original Castillo's Mexican Restaurant in Fresno. Here she would learn to cook the many delicious meals her family would later enjoy.

At the young age of 15 years old, Ida would meet a young man who would later become the love of her life; Lilo Santellano. They were married on January 14, 1961. Together, Lilo and Ida would build a loving family with three children, Anthony (D), Felicia. and Timothy. One of Ida's greatest joys in life was the love she and Lilo shared. Always side by side, Lilo and Ida gave us the greatest love story we have ever known. Together for nearly all of her life, our Mom would often say how her heart still skipped a beat in the presence of our dad. They created a legacy of devotion to God, each other, and their family.

Mom was always supporting her children's adventures, making costumes for plays: participating in every parent club; music association's; and often opening her home to our school friends. Our mom's compassionate and selfless heart allowed us to grow and enjoy all that life has to offer. As we became more independent, our mom would begin to explore new opportunities outside of her home.

Ida worked at various places prior to the start of her career in Church Administration. Working at St Helen's and St Jude's Catholic Churches, she pursued a degree in Parish Administration at Loyola Marymount University in 1997, graduating top of her class. After 30 years of serving others, Ida would retire from St. Jude's Catholic Church.

Our mom often said her most precious gifts of all were her grandchildren. She loved attending their school activities, sporting events, and music performances. Always greeting them with a big hug, smile, and sweet sounds of song: nothing made our mom light up more than visits from her grandchildren.

Ida has one sister, Lily Samaniego, and five brothers: Philip Baquera (D), Jim Baquera, Louie Baquera, Pete Baquera, and Chris Baquera. She shared a special bond with her siblings meeting for monthly lunches or spending time talking on the phone. Family was important to Mom and she would often share that she loved each and every one of her many nieces and nephews with a memory that she would hold dear to her heart.

Our mother was a faithful woman: seeking God in everything she did. Rejoicing in God during life's happiest moments, and remaining unfailingly loyal to Him in life's toughest moments. It was her faith that built our home and gave her the strength to be compassionate, kind, humble, and always willing to serve others. Her sweet soul touched many lives and will continue on for generations to come. Ida leaves behind family and friends that will miss her dearly. but will always cherish her memory.

Ida is survived by her Husband of 62 years, Lilo, her daughter Felicia Lascano, and her husband David: grandchildren, Rebecca, Victoria, and Brianna. Her son Timothy Santellano and his wife Maria; grandchildren, Anthony, Marissa, Vanessa. Phillip Michael (D), and Anissa: and her six great-grandchildren, Jayden, Aaron, Logan, Arik, Sariyah, and Alexander.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Phillip Baquera, her son, Anthony David Santellano, and grandson, Phillip Michael Santellano.