Maria Chavez

Maria Guadalupe de la Luz Cervantes, also knew as Luz, was born November 16, 1925 to Francisco Cervantes Garibay and Trinidad Zuniga Mendez in Cueneo, Michoacan Mexico. As a young adult, her family moved to Tijuana, Baja California when in 1956 she immigrated to the United States. She married Peter A. Chavez Sr. in 1957, and had two sons, Peter A. Chavez Jr. and Paul A. Chavez.

Luz was a well-known seamstress where her abilities showed in her work, while working at the renowned men's factory Rattner's. At home she continued her craft making ability, by creating bridal wear and her own home décor. She wore clothing that she had created for herself and even made clothes for her granddaughters, clipping the Sundays newspapers retail department stores for inspiration. It was something she truly enjoyed.

Alongside sowing, she enjoyed being with her family on Sundays and cooking large family dinners. Luz loved to sing. She sang with a choir, Grupo Mision, for St. Jude’s Church. She also gave back to the church by volunteering her time by making food to help raise money for the church. She had a garden full of roses and a few fruits trees. She was a fan of soccer and boxing, and loved to collect religious figurines.

Luz was known as a humble, gentle, woman who cared deeply for others. Always putting others before herself, she was a woman of good faith and religion and will always be remembered for her kindness and her faith in God.