Hilda V. Sumaya

1934 - 2024

HILDA V. SUMAYA

January 31, 1934 – September 24, 2024

Hilda V. Sumaya passed away with her three daughters, Christina Arvizu, Hilda Rivero, and Isabel Sumaya at her bedside along with their families. Born in Holtville, California to Filomeno and Dolores Valenzuela, Hilda was one of eleven children. Hilda met the love of her life, Angel, when the family moved to Arvin. They were married for 54 years prior to his passing in 2008. Hilda worked as a teachers aide for the Arvin Union School District and later became the Community Liaison for the Head Start program working with underserved children.

Hilda's sense of social justice along with her adventurous and courageous spirit led her to live a life of purpose and meaning. In 1973, Hilda won a landmark case against the Arvin Union School District setting the precedence in Kern County for spouses to work at the same school where their spouses served on the school board. Hilda also helped make history alongside thousands of farm workers fighting for decent wages and working conditions in the 70's marching with Cesar Chavez and the United Farmworkers. Hilda was featured in a documentary with her husband, Angel, when the city of Arvin celebrated their 100-year anniversary as one of Arvin's shakers and movers.

Hilda's first priority was raising her daughters. She never missed a school event, band concert, or a parent conference. She raised an elementary teacher, a high school teacher and a university professor. She loved to dance with her favorite partner (Angel) and was Freddie Fender's biggest fan. Hilda was a devoted member of Saint Thomas Catholic Church where she taught Catechism and was a member of the Guadalupanos. Her devotion to the church did not go unnoticed where she was bestowed the honor of "Woman of the Year."

Hilda was an important part of her grandchildren's lives in so many ways. They include Angelica Rivero (elementary teacher), Lindsey Watkins (marriage and family therapist), Robert Rivero (sheriff), Patrick Arvizu II (speech therapist) and Alejandro Arvizu (music teacher). Her great-grandchildren Angel Rivero, Anthony Rivero, Benjamin Rivero, Jonah Alderete, Isabella Watkins, Urijah Rivero, and Abigail Perez lovingly called her Nana. Hilda loved her sons-in-law, Patrick Arvizu and Joey Wilson, as well as the wives and husbands of her grandchildren (Mireya Rivero, Jason Watkins, Caroline Sanchez) and great-grandchildren (Clarissa Rivero).

After 90 years of a life well lived, Hilda is now reunited with her husband Angel, her parents, brothers Carmen Valenzuela, Frank Valenzuela, and Manuel Valenzuela and sisters Julia Patino, Lupe Gallardo, Mary Marmolejo, and Lola Pesina. In addition to her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Hilda is survived by her siblings, Ana Contreras, Joe Valenzuela, and Rosie Montellano. Hilda will be dearly missed and always in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on October 17, 2024, at Greenlawn Southwest, Bakersfield, CA., from 5-7:00 p.m. with Rosary Recitation at 6:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated in memory of Hilda on October 18, 2024, at St. Thomas Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. and interment following mass at South Kern Cemetery District. A Celebration of Life luncheon for Hilda will be at 1:00 p.m. at Kern City Town Hall, 1003 Pebble Beach Dr., Bakersfield, CA.

www.bakersfield.com/obits