Petita was born September 28, 1934 in Jipijapa, Manabi, Ecuador. Her father, Gabriel Gonzalez, and mother, Eva Evangelista Lopez, had five children. As the youngest child of five, she was surrounded by the love of her mother and her older siblings. Many mornings during breakfast, she shared stories of growing up in a finca surrounded by chickens and the vastness of nature. Petita was a gentle soul who saw the importance and beauty in everything.
As Petita got older she caught the eye of a young man in a neighboring town. Petita married Miguel Elias Cevallos Ortega in 1953. Together they had twelve children and raised them in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Petita and Miguel saw their children get older, marry, and have children of their own. She loved her grandchildren just as she continued to love her own children, and was a caring and devoted presence in their lives.
Her eldest daughter came to the United States in pursuit of the American Dream. One by one the women of the family left to the United States. In the late 1980s, Petita came to live with all six of her daughters and her youngest son in the city of Angels. Here the Cevallos family came to grow roots and pursue a better life. Petita was the matriarch of the family and she instilled the importance of family and togetherness. Every holiday and birthday the family celebrated together. Even though Petita was 3,529 miles from her children in Ecuador, she was ever-present in their lives. Petita never missed a birthday call and would always send presents to show her love and affection even as the decades passed. Petita carried her children very closely in her heart, no matter the distance.
As the years progressed, Petita and her family shared endless laughs, enjoyed lively meals, and spent weekends together, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Petita’s birthday became the party to look forward to each year. Her daughters and son made every birthday special, making sure she was surrounded by her family and long-term friends. Throughout her decades in the United States, she cared for and loved many of her children’s friends, and they became a part of the extended family.
Petita lived for her children and grandchildren. She imparted so much good in the world in the form of loving and caring for her family members. She is known for her humming and rewriting lyrics of popular songs. Petita was the center of our family and we are thankful to say she had a good life surrounded by her loving family.
She would want us to remember her as a devout Roman Catholic who prayed every single day for her loved ones. There is no doubt her prayers will protect generations to come.
Petita is survived by nine of her children, twenty-nine grandchildren, and twenty-four great-grandchildren, all who stand as a legacy to a woman who valued family so much. Her family grieves the loss of their matriarch and will continue to love and honor her memory.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.liveoakmonrovia.com for the Gonzalez de Cevallos family.
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