Angelita Galvan Aguiniga

1926 - 2025

Angelita Galvan Aguiniga

May 5, 1926 - September 4, 2025

Turlock, California - With carrying both love and sorrow in our hearts that we say goodbye to Angelita Galvan Aguiniga, who passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, at the age of 99 years and four months. A woman of incredible strength and spirit, Angelita was as vibrant and full of life as the energy she brought into every room, lighting up every moment with her warmth, laughter, and unshakeable zest for living.

Born on May 5, 1926, in Park City, Montana, Angelita was the daughter of hardworking parents Sebastian and Esther, who taught her the value of family, grit, and a good work ethic. By the time she was 13, Angelita had left school to help her parents in the fields, driving them to work and laboring alongside them, showing a work ethic that would define her for the rest of her life. At 16, she was behind the wheel of a delivery truck, hauling her family's produce to farmers' markets all over Northern California. No task was too big for her-whether it was hauling crates of vegetables or raising ten children, Angelita never knew the meaning of the word "can't."

At 18, she met the love of her life, Antonio Gomez Aguiniga. Together, they raised a family, and traveled across the United States, working the land. But wherever they went, it was clear Angelita had a special kind of magic about her. Her ability to save and make a home out of anything, combined with Antonio's talent for building, eventually returning to Turlock to settle and make a home. There, they created a space where love, laughter, and hard work filled every corner. Angelita's touch was everywhere-whether it was through her crocheted masterpieces (those bed covers? Legendary) or her tamales, which were so good that even the most stoic family members would break into a grin. Christmas? It wasn't Christmas without her homemade decorations and the ever-present scent of tamales flowing through the air.

Angelita was a woman of action. During World War II, she worked at the local armory, volunteered with the Red Cross, and became a passionate advocate for workers' rights. If there was injustice, Angelita wasn't shy about speaking up. She fought for better wages, safer working conditions, and the rights of those around her, earning a reputation for standing up for others.

In her later years, Angelita decided that it was never too late to learn. While raising 10 children (yes, 10!) and juggling a full-time job, she attended Modesto Junior College, San Jose State, and UC Berkeley, eventually earning her credentials to become a teacher. She worked her way up to Head Teacher at the Wesley Center, where she mentored and inspired countless colleagues-many of whom still swear by her advice and wisdom to this day. Her achievements were recognized with features in The Teacher's Magazine, local newspaper articles, and an Employee of the Year Award.

Angelita's work ethic was only rivaled by her sense of humor. She had a way of making everyone feel seen and heard. You didn't just get advice from her-you got a laugh, a wink, and a "you can do it, mija!"

At 80, Angelita retired but didn't slow down for a second. She continued to crochet, cook tamales, and spoil her grandkids with as much love as she could muster. Her home was always open, and whether you were family by blood or by friendship, you could always count on her for a warm meal and an even warmer heart.

Though she has now gone to join her beloved Antonio and all those who came before her, her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. From her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to her lifelong friends, Angelita's love, laughter, and fierce spirit will never be forgotten

Angelita, we find peace knowing you've gone to a better place, where your love and light will continue to shine. We'll miss your strength, your stories, and your infectious laugh, but we find comfort in knowing you're at peace with the ones you loved. Rest easy, beautiful soul.

Forever in our hearts,

Your family, your friends, and all whose lives you touched.

Services

Visitation & Rosary, Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Allen Mortuary, 247 N. Broadway, Turlock, CA: Family Viewing: 3:30 to 4 p.m., (Family Only), Public Viewing: 4 to 6 p.m., Rosary: Begins at 6 p.m.

Funeral Mass, Friday, September 26, 2025, 11:30 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church,1200 Lyons Avenue, Turlock, CA. Interment will follow at Turlock Memorial Park, 425 North Soderquist Road, Turlock, California.