I was privileged to get to know Ernestina in the last few years of her life she may not have remembered my name but I know that deep in her heart she knew who I was, I always enjoyed our long unended conversations, one of our most special times together was the day she turned 90 years old I had that day off from work and Sylvia asked me if I could take her out because she had to work and of course I did ,what an special day we had, took her to el pollo loco for lunch then we went to a cup cake bakery to choose her birthday one ,it was beautiful to see her looking with those little bright eyes like a child in the candy store then we came to my house play boleros and rancheras  and we danced and finished taking pictures and eating her cup cake I always felt very honor to share such special day with her. Thank you for allow me to be part of the life of that loving angel.

I will always remember my grandma for her infectious kindness. When I was around four years old, I would stay at my grandma's house for a couple of days. In those days we would do simple errands, like go to the grocery store, the post office, and sometimes the bank. She never learned to drive so we would take the bus, which I thought was the best thing in the world because the bus had TV that would play "I Love Lucy". My grandma would smile and say hello to the cashiers at the store, the bank teller, the post workers, even the bus drivers. They would all respond the same way, with a big smile and a, "Hola Ernestina". I always thought wow my grandma is so popular she knows everyone! She was kind to everyone especially her children and grandchildren. As long as I can remember she would tell me I was beautiful everytime I saw her. Even in later years when she didn't always remember who I was, she would still tell me how beautiful I was. For me, that was my reassurance that she still remembered me and that she still loved me as she always had. She is my constant reminder to be kind to everyone. 
I love you abuelita

I don't have many memories of Grandma, due to long distances and a language barrier... but what I do remember is always feeling love and a sense of comfort or belonging when I was around her. Whenever I visited her, her home was always warm, cozy and welcoming. Grandma's hugs were so filled with love; it was the kind of embrace that made you wish she would never let go. Grandma was always sweet and tender, and I cannot remember a single moment she was angry for any reason. I am grateful for the knowledge that I will be able to see and hug her again. I am thankful my dear Grandma isn't suffering any longer. I love you Grandma, and I miss you. You will always be in my heart.

It's so hard to pick just one memory to share! I remember that grandma was so kind and I have a picture of when she was teaching me how to bake empanadas. I was about three and I had no idea what I was doing; but she still let me help. (It sounds like most of our memories about grandma include food. But it's true she was an amazing cook!) I will never forget how kind and giving she was and I am true my blessed for being able to know her and to have had her influence my life.

Seeing my sweet grandmother at rest after many years of struggle brings me peace and happiness. Happiness because I know where she is and I know what I must do to be there with her. I am saddened by her passing but also strengthened in my determination to live a life of love and service as she did.
Since I was an infant my grandmother was more than just a grandmother, she was the cook when my mom cooked a dinner I didn't want to eat and I would sneak off to grandma's house to eat frosted flakes and pink marshmallows that she always had tucked away in the back of her pantry. She was my piggy bank when the ice cream man would go by or when I wanted a pack of pokemon cards but didn't have the money. She listened to me cry one night about a girl I liked and asked her never to tell anyone (She told my parents as soon as they got home though). There are years of stories and memories of my grandmother that show how much she cared and loved me. I pray that during those last few difficult years of her life, she could feel how much I loved and cared for her.
I love you grandma and can't wait to see you again.

I remember mom stroking my hair with my head on her lap,when we were sick she would sing or hum a song putting us to sleep. We were not rich in any way, she always managed with the little we had. Her love was like pixie dust, just made everything better. Anyone who knew her, loved her . She was sweet and kind to everyone. With her sweet and gentle smile and kind and loving sense of hummer. We will be at side again.

Although the last few years of grandmas life weren't as I wanted them to be, I know that she is happy and resting with her Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the times i had with grandma as a child and the unwavering example of love and compassion that she showed me in her life. I'll always love you and can't wait to see you again.

There are so many sweet memories to share of mom; the life and example of strength and dedication to family that she lived is a testament to me of her selfless life.
When I was in first grade, there were two streets I needed to cross to get to Rosewood Park Elementary. She would stand at the corner and watch me until I was safely at school. She was sweet and kind to all, but was strong in her determination to love and provide a better future for her family. When we were ill, she always knew what to do to make us feel better; those home remedies past down through her parents always did the job. She loved camping and was the first one up in the morning to get breakfast started. I love the walks we took together and the time she spent with my family in Nevada. I miss her stroking my hair as i would rest my head on her shoulder; oh how that made everything better!
One day we will be together again for all eternity and we can take long walks in places more beautiful than what we have enjoyed on this earth. 
La quiero con todo mi corazon mamita linda.

I thank God for the blessing of being able to have had such a loving and patient mother. I will always be grateful for her tenderness and sweet spirit. 
Gracias mommy.

Ernestina Fuentes was my beloved grandmother. I always knew her as simply abuelita. My earliest memories of her are wrapped in love. She was a woman who had so much love and patience to give; and she gave it freely to both her children and grandchildren. Often times as it is around someones passing, people discuss what legacy was left behind, what great deeds were accomplished, and how that person might have affected the world. My beloved grandmother had no great education to boast of, no masters degrees, no long and wildly successful professional career, and no famous acts of public service. Yet she left behind the most powerful and enduring of legacies, a legacy of charity and compassion towards her fellow man. She gave so freely and so unselfishly that both her children and grandchildren find it difficult to do anything but the same. Her example of selfless service in the most important of settings, the home, will live on in the homes of her grandchildren and future generations. There is no telling the magnitude to which her example will bless the lives of thousands of her descendants. In life she was our mother and grandmother, strengthening us all with her loving devotion. In death, she is a reminder to all of us what it means to be a loving parent. Until we see each other again abuelita, I will honor your memory and cherish our love, always.

It truly has been a blessing to be able to know my sweet grandmother for the past 22 years. I have so many fond memories with her growing up, whether it be at her home in Commerce, CA, or when we would go on family vacations to places like San Francisco or go camping. Some of my favorite memories with her were when we were at the dining room table, all together as a family enjoying one of her delicious meals; or when my dad (Henry) and uncle Luis would horse around and tell jokes in Spanish, and Grandma was always there to correct them and yell Callense!. Grandma was always willing to serve another, help another without asking for anything in return. She is so loved by many. Also, she always took excellent care of her rose garden in front of her home, it truly was her pride and joy. 
As grandma departs from us on this earth, I am comforted in knowing that I will one day see her again, except this time healthy and happy and without a worry in the world. I love her very much and I very much look forward to seeing her on that day. 
I love you grandma! Que Dios le Bendiga 
-Kevin Fuentes

Ernestina Fuentes better known as mom, a woman that gave without asking in return whether it was to a family member or friend, always love the fact of having family around helping whether it was at 2 in the morning when two young parents didn't know what to do with their newborn baby Nicho crying, or whether it was making beans for the sunday barbecue, or menudo for breakfast. Fondest memory with mom was always taking her to the casinò and watcher walk around touching the machine looking for the. Lucky one like an expert. I loved watching her smile specially aftet a shot of tequila.  Jajajajaja. I Thank the Lord for giving me the blessing to have met such a wonderful woman. I will miss her calling me mijo te perdistes en el casino. I love you mom till we meet again RIP.

OBITUARY

Ernestina Valdez Fuentes

May 17, 1923 – October 14, 2015

Palm Eastern Mortuary & Cemetery

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