Rebeca Nava

Today we honor and celebrate the life of Rebeca Nava Carrillo, age 88, who was called home to the Lord on December 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness, accepting God's will with faith and peace.

Rebeca was born on January 1, 1937, in Valparaíso, Zacatecas, Mexico, the fourth of seven children born to Gonzalo Carrillo Herrera (1905–2004) and María de la Paz Simental Carrillo (1908–1998).

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Rebeca was the true foundation of her family. She migrated to the United States with little more than the clothes on her back. Together with her husband, through perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering Catholic faith, she built a life from the ground up. Her journey took her family from Chula Vista, to Florence, to their first home in Hayward, then to Fremont-which became home base for all her children-and finally to Brentwood, where she and her husband built two lifelong homes that became the heart of every family gathering.

Rebeca was a devoted stay-at-home mother who always put her children first. She was strong, independent, and deeply selfless. To help support her family of ten, she ran a successful babysitting business out of their childhood home for many years and later worked at Montgomery Ward, where she took great pride in her work, often saying it was work she truly enjoyed. She was also a Forever Living Products representative, traveling both nationally and internationally. She fondly recalled these travels and the beautiful landscapes she was blessed to witness by the good grace of God.

She found joy in word searches, counting every step she took, jumping rope, hugging trees, praying the Rosary, knitting, and playing card games. A woman of strong faith and values, Rebeca worked for and donated to numerous charities. Her strength and generosity knew no limits. She traveled to work by bus when necessary and journeyed all the way to Mexico with five or six young children in tow, carrying multiple sacks of clothing to donate and sell. It was not uncommon for her sons to be asked to remove their brand-new shoes so they could be given to a child in need. This was simply who she was. Compassionate, generous, and someone who led by example.

Rebeca was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, José de Jesús Nava Sr.; her two eldest sons, José de Jesús Nava Jr. and Hermenegildo Nava; and her siblings Alejandrina, Gonzalo, and Abigail.

She is survived by her children Hugo Nava (Alicia), Guillermo Nava (Rosetta), Francisco Nava, Christopher Nava (Kellee), Phil Nava, and her only daughter, Rebeca Gamon. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and her siblings Federico Carrillo, Esther Bañuelos, and Henrietta Wood.

Rebeca will be cremated, and her cremated remains will be present during all services.

A Vigil and Rosary will be held on Thursday, January 15, at Holy Cross Cemetery, across the street from the Holy Cross main office, located at 2200 E. 18th Street, Antioch. Doors will open to the public at 5:30 p.m., with the Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Vigil will conclude following the Rosary.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, January 16, at 11:00 a.m., at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, located at 500 Fairview Avenue, Brentwood.

Following the Funeral Mass, family and friends are warmly invited to join us for a luncheon at Cap's Oak Street Bar & Grill to continue honoring and celebrating Rebeca's life.

Please join us in remembering Rebeca's strength, generosity, and enduring legacy. She will be deeply missed and forever carried in our hearts.