Lilia Chavez Cervantes

May 29, 1928 - April 16, 2017

Lilia (Lily) Cervantes passed away on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, at the age of 88.

Lilia was preceded in death by her husband Albert A. Cervantes and son Joseph (Joey) Cervantes.

She is survived by her sister Margaret Sigala; son’s Albert R. Cervantes, Johnny Cervantes, Robert Cervantes & daughters Laurie Lujano & Yvonne Cervantes of Fresno, Ca. As well as 16 grandchildren; and numerous great & great-great grandchildren.

Lilia was born in Needles, Ca. May 29, 1928. Her father, Pedro worked for the Railroad and her mother, Sotera was a restaurant cook. She had five brothers, Ted, Sib, Robert, Romy, & Jessie, and four sisters, Margaret, Clara, & Elisa.

In 1942, during her early teens, Lilia's parent's parents moved the family and settled here in Fresno, Ca. And, this is where she met and married her husband Albert Cervantes in 1945. They were married for 65 years and had six children. Her first born was in 1946, and youngest was in 1967

Lilia was a homemaker and raised her children; she later worked in various settings to keep busy. She used to work for SunMaid Raisin, Orlando Chile & Sanger Packing House. She also cleaned new construction apartments that her husband helped build. Anything to keep busy was her passion, and making a little cash was extra.

Strolling downtown was one of her past times.

Bus 26 where everybody knew her name, and she knew them; The city bus was her preferred transportation to downtown Fresno.

She loved shopping on the Fulton Mall and before heading for home, enjoying a hamburger steak at Coney Island was her favorite.

Lilia never drove as far as we know. We understand she attempted on a few occasions when she had no choice, but overall, driving wasn't her thing. But, she did enjoy cooking and made the best homemade tortillas. Crocheting was her evening relaxation time, making blankets for the family to keep warm and a now a fond memory of a Mother's touch.

Lilia was also a socialite; she enjoyed going to parties and hosting parties. She's known for her Christmas Eve party. Her wedding anniversary on Christmas Eve was just an excuse to have another Cervantes holiday party. Family and friends would gather to eat, drink and dance the night away. The jitterbug, she and her husband were usually the show-stoppers when it came to dancing. If you never had the opportunity to watch the two in action, then you missed out. She could twirl, spin, kick, twist, and wave her hands in such a beautiful way to "In the Mood."

Over the years Lilia enjoyed the beach, having her Corona in the ocean, and strolling through the nearby neighborhood admiring beautiful flowers. Yes, she would feel free to sneak by and take cuttings and hide them in her bag until she got home to replant. Her favorite flower was the Sweet Pea always enjoying the fragrant flowers year after year. Her "green thumb" showed in her yard from the various plants, flowers, and cuttings that she would plant and grow.

She also spent time visiting her family in Needles Ca. There were times the road took them off the path to a nearby Casino but eventually she would get there. Having fun, and spending time with her sister, nieces and nephews were enjoyable. Especially, after a few cocktails and back in the car to Bullhead Az. In her younger years, Las Vegas was always fun, and Reno, where she was an avid Keno player, was a blast. But from Needles, they would hop from Bullhead to Laughlin NV along the Colorado River, where slot machines with Lady Luck were always in season for Lilia.

And, as Lilia aged long car rides were less appealing and lucky for her Table Mountain Casino was just minutes away. She played bingo and slot machines as hours passed. Often, leaving her husband to sleep in the car or on a nearby bench. Many friends and family thought it was funny when Lilia hid from her husband Albert, going in circles and hiding behind machines, asking them not tell where she was. He was used to it, and it usually worked, he would give up and head back to the car and wait for his wife to come out. Usually when she was good and ready, then they would head home, and she was as happy as can be.

Speaking of Happy

There's so much to say for a woman who has lived so many years, but if there is one word that comes to mind when anyone says Lilia Cervantes, it's "Laughter" she had a contagious laugh and hearing her made others laugh too. She loved comedy and had similarities to "I Love Lucy." A classy style, yet down to earth, a woman that could do any and everything if she wanted.

A beautiful lady that was pretty lucky too, and a laugh that would fill the room as she danced to her favorite tune. All will miss Lilia, but one day we'll be together again.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns, & Blair Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John’s Cathedral Church on Thursday April 27th at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.