Submitted by Tony Maldonado–
My mother’s life spanned through 3 major wars, the civil rights movement, a presidential assassination, and 9/11.
Two marriages, ending in divorce, left her a single mother of 8 children. Whatever challenges, losses and sacrifices, she was going to have the American dream and owned homes in Santa Clara, then in Citrus Heights where she passed.
She left school to help her family, with little formal education, this did not stop her from learning essential life-skills to not just survive but succeed. She was a fighter, gutsy, worked in a factory later at Memorex, a quick learner she was promoted. She took on side jobs cleaning, cooking, whatever, she was determined, and achieved what many women (particularly women of color) of her generation were denied —access to homeownership.
Hardship forced innate talents to become resourceful, creative, and artistic. She had a natural ability to do whatever she did skillfully. She was praised for her ability to throw herself into her cooking that could be tasted in a flavorful meal like her curry tuna casserole; a pot of beans and homemade tortillas, by today’s standards, a chef’s recipe; and her tamales were the best —made by feel alone.
She was an accomplished seamstress and could make anything without a pattern, made dresses out of large size moo moos and with scraps doll clothes for my sisters. She loved her garden and could grow anything. Her front yard was beautifully landscaped, manicured to look the best on the block—she was very proud of that. In all, she took pride in her home, lived a full life and will be remembered.
*Publisher’s Note: As a free service to family members who have lost a loved one, The Sentinel publishes online obituaries of Citrus Heights residents or former residents at no cost. To submit an obituary, click here
Submitted by Tony Maldonado--
My mother's life spanned through 3 major wars, the civil rights movement, a presidential assassination, and 9/11. Two marriages, ending in divorce, left her a single mother of 8 children. Whatever challenges, losses and sacrifices, she was going to have the American dream and owned homes in Santa Clara, then in Citrus Heights where she passed.
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