The beloved matriarch of the Munoz family, who co-founded the East Los Angeles specialty Mexican food product maker Dolores Canning Company, died Thursday, July 17 surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old and lived in Arcadia, CA.
Dolores was born September 29, 1919 in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the second of four children to Maria Santoyo and Refugio Castaneda. At 20, she came to California to marry Basilio Cornejo Munoz. In 1954, the couple established the family business, whose first canned product was menudo, based on her recipe.
In addition to raising seven children, Dolores participated widely in public life. Among the various San Gabriel Valley organizations she served were the United Way, the California Federated Women's Club, Las Angelinas, The Panamerican Optimist Club, Las Madrinas, Family Council Service, Casa de Cuna, Arcadia Methodist Hospital, The Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, various PTAs, The Mexican Chamber of Commerce, and The Chamber of Commerce.
In 1997, she was profiled in the Los Angeles Times as the namesake of the family business, and in 2000, was honored by the Mexican Mother of the Year organization.
Despite losing her two firstborn children, Basilio Jr. and Augustine (Dolores), Dolores never lost her love for life. She was known for her sharp mind, good humor, elegance, strength, and the unwavering faith she had in her family.
After her husband's death in 1979, she traveled extensively to nearly every corner of the world. She enjoyed reading biographies, long visits with her many friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dolores is survived by her sister Teresa; her children Teresa, Steve (Hope), Frank (Nancy), Frances (Joe Alves), and Marina (Jesse Alvarado); a niece; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and two grandnieces.
Mama, Mom, Mommy, Grandma, G.G., we love you. We will miss you and spend the rest of our lives following the example you set.
Vigil service - Monday, July 21, 2008, 7 p.m. Funeral Mass Tuesday July 22, 2008, 10 a.m. Both services held at Holy Angels Catholic Church at 370 Campus Drive in Arcadia.
Flowers may be sent to Holy Angels or donations made to the Augustine L. Munoz Cancer Research Fund at www.augiemunoz.org.
To send the family messages, share memories and obtain directions to services, please go to the mortuary's website at www.guerragutierrez.com.
Published in the Los Angeles Times on 7/20/2008 |
