Lucy Galvez, 94 years old, passed away peacefully, on December 30, 2020. Her husband, Jose Luis Galvez, of 76 years passed away on April 13, 2019. She leaves behind a brother, Henry Navarrette, one daughter, Lupe Quintanar, four sons: Joe, Robert, Ed, and Alfred, 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.
Born in Fresno, California on October 15, 1926. She was the daughter of Juan Navarrette and Eufrasia Ruiz. Lucy grew up in the small town of Mendota, in the San Joaquin Valley of California.
Growing up, life for Lucy and her family was difficult. She and her 6 siblings grew up during the great depression. With jobs scarce and food rationed, the family resorted to agricultural field work. The situation was so bad that Lucy and her brothers and sisters were forced to work instead of attending school. Consequently, Lucy only went as far as the 6th grade.
At the age of 17, Lucy met Jose, her future husband, while both were doing agricultural field work in Mendota, California. Those early years were a struggle and full of hard work in the fields of the California central valley. In 1946 , searching for a better life for their fast-growing family, the couple left Mendota for Oakland, California. Lucy eventually found work with Del Monte in Emeryville, and ultimately retired after many years of working there. She was loved by her co-workers and stayed in contact with many of them through the years.
In 1962, Lucy and Jose decided to move their family to Roseville, California, where they felt they could give their four boys a healthier environment in which to grow up. Here they settled and lived for the next fifty-eight years.
Lucy will always be remembered for her infectious laughter, her big heart, her adventurous spirit, her love of the Mexican culture, Mariachi music and her love of dancing. She was also a natural storyteller. No one could tell a story better.
She loved visiting Mexico, and in particular, La Palma, Michoacan, where she and Jose had a home, extended family and many friends.
She will always be remembered as a loving friend, mother and wife.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18