Selica Hury Yaquian Paiz

Selica Hury Yaquian Paiz was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala in 1966. Born into poverty, she and her younger sister were raised by their aunt: Maria Antonia Ruiz, uncle: Fernando Ruiz and grandmother: Martina Moscoso. When she was 15, Selica decided to leave Guatemala with her cousin, Maria Vasquez in search of a better life in the U.S. After a few weeks of going in underground tunnels, following rail road tracks throughout the dessert heat of Mexico, they arrived and settled in Los Angeles, California and began babysitting and cleaning houses . While working with the families, Selica began to learn and taught herself speak, read and write in English. With their encouragement and much devotion, Selica’s sister and cousins followed shortly after seeking a better future.

Selica met her husband, Manuel Ignacio Yaquian, when they both worked at a grocery store “Casa Barrios” in Guatamala City. Later he followed her to L.A. and they have been together now for 30 years, this November, and were going to celebrated their anniversary in Guatemala City with their family. Selica had not been to Guatemala for over 15 years, and was excited to see her family and friends, but most of all to go see her grandmother Martina Moscoso, who passed away in 1997. After the loss of her grandmother, silica found it really hard to go back home, for she was scared with painful loss of the women who not only cared for her, but guided her to be a women of much success.

When their son Alfred turned 12, Manuel and Selica decided to leave Los Angeles due to the rise of gangs and violence in the public schools and move to Kansas City, hoping to provide a safer environment for their son and a better education. After moving here Alfred attended St. Agnes for a couple years then was accepted to Bishop Miege High School. But the school was over the price limit that both Selica and Manuel could afford. With the help of the families she worked with, whom out of the greatness of their hearts, offered their assistance pay for Alfred to attend school and receive the catholic education Selica and Manuel wanted him to receive. After four successful years at Bishop Miege, Alfred graduated with honors in 2004 and then was accepted into Rockhurst University, which he graduated in 08 made Selica and Manuel very proud for their little boy was growing up and following into their foots steps of becoming successful and following the right path. In so many ways, her life has been a picture of the American Dream that so many immigrants hope for in America when they leave their native country.

For thirty years since entering this country, Selica has cleaned houses, provided babysitting and pet sitting for countless families in the Los Angeles and Kansas City area and was revered by everyone. In 2009, she, along with her husband, became full citizens of the United States. It was a long and difficult process, but she was proud to be a successful American

When she wasn’t working, she was cooking, gardening or spending time with her friends and family. She always made sure that her yard was filled with bright-colored flowers. Family and friends remember fondly her arroz Con leche(rice pudding), Jocon (a green tomatoe sauce with chicken and potatoes), Ponche (warm fruit drink served during Christmas). It was not uncommon for her to try new recipes and also liked American favorites – including Thanksgiving Turkey and green bean casserole. She liked to bake too – especially cakes and was always happy to cook for a friend’s wedding or baby shower.

She had a special heart for animals, especially birds – and always had a parakeet in the house.

She loved St. Agnes Catholic Church and attended services on Sunday’s. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, because of the season’s message of hope and joy. She loved to decorate the house with a lot of Christmas ornaments especially Santa Clauses. There was not a space in her house that did not have a Christmas spirit to it.

Selica died Thursday, September 29th, of a pulmonary embolism or blood clot after a surgery to relieve pain in her knee. She is survived by her beloved husband, Manuel Ignacio Yaquian, son Alfred Alexander Yaquian-Paiz and sisters and brothers: Sonia Magdaly Flores, Rosita de Concua, Marina Paiz, Francisco Paiz and Manuel Paiz as well as many friends and loved ones.