Lucila Bejarano

Lucila Gomez Bejarano, a patient, kind, independent woman, passed away in her home on August 14, 2024, just days past her 105th birthday. She was born on August 5, 1919 in the old post office in the Santa Rita Hotel in Calabasas. Once married in 1937 to Raul Bejarano, she lived in Tumacacori, Arizona.

Lucila will be remembered fondly by anyone who knew her. She welcomed you into her kitchen and fed you wonderful meals no matter what time of day it was. Her tamales were the best. She would ask about everyone and had a remarkable memory of every member of the family. It was not unusual to find her sweeping the leaves amid her flowers to keep her yard tidy even after her 104th birthday. She studied herbal remedies and loved giving advice to her loved ones.

Lucila cared for her mother for years and she opened her home to a number of foster children. She raised a family of seven all the way through high school. Because of the recent efforts of one of those children, there will be a crossing on Pendelton Road in Rio Rico named after her.

Lucila was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother who cherished her family. She is survived by her four children, Lilia Masterson, Ernesto Bejarano, Norma Megariz and Raul Bejarano, as well as by eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and fourteen great great grandchildren.

Lucila is preceded in death by her husband Raul, her five brothers Gilbert, Ignacio, Ramon, Eduardo and Febronio Gomez and her sister Petra Wisdom. Her passing marks the end of an era in Tumacacori. She will be remembered always and remain a model of strength and perseverance for those who knew her.