Nieves was born on August 5, 1937 to Juan Carbajal and Juanita Ledesma in Durango, Mexico. Her family lived in a small adobe house with no electricity; water obtained from a well and used a donkey for transportation. She only went to school until the 6th grade.
Her family moved to Juarez and then Long Beach when she was 17. She worked at a dry cleaner. Met George Ledesma at the Pike dance hall and married in November of 1955. Had five children every year, Sally, George, Gloria, Victor and Rebecca. She became a widow on September 7, 1968 with five small children
She married Marcelo Reyes in 1969 and had two children, Rosalia and Marcelo. She worked in the fields picking vegetables, cleaning houses, caregiver, assembly line, park attendant and a nursing assistant. She retired in 2002.
She enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, North Africa, Hawaii, Caribbean Islands, and Central America. She enjoyed camping and going on cruises.
She enjoyed gardening and showing off her plants and flowers, mariachi music and dancing. She was an excellent cook. She made the best tamales, pies, chili rellenos, chicharrones and nopales.
Mom was very loving, strong and independent. She loved to carry on family traditions such as making tamales and holiday gatherings. She was always happy, positive, had a big heart and willing to help others. Many people were drawn to her as she provided a warm loving environment with motherly support and tenderness without judgement.
She will be very much missed but never forgotten.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in the Westminster Memorial Park Main Chapel. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 10:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Westminster, California with an interment service to follow at Westminster Memorial Park. Arrangements under the direction of Westminster Memorial Park, 14801 Beach Blvd. Westminster, CA 92683. (714) 893-2421
Due to State and Local Mandate regarding COVID-19, only a limited number of people are permitted to attend. Please call for further information.
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