Soledad Jara Flores

Soledad's parents Manuel Jara and Pillar Flores had four other babies–Trinidad, Guadalpe, Jose de Jesus, and Maria de Los Angeles–who all died within months of their births. Soledad was the fifth child and lone survivor, until the sixth and final baby Esther, six years Soledad's junior. Soledad's birth and survival was perhaps a sign that her life might be different, and that her fate in rural MX was not simply resigned to misfortune.

Born on Sept. 8, 1934, Soledad Jara Flores lived in Villa Guerrero, Jalisco, MX. The young Jara family began in La Mora, a farmstead likely around 3-5 hectares, roughly 2-3 miles on the Villa Guerrero outskirts and a 45 minute walk into town. The farm provided a bounty of crops that sustained them and provided a modest income. Manuel Jara was industrious, mastering crafts, business and even veterinary services. Pillar was equally industrious in both teaching her daughters valuable life skills – creating a well-managed and supportive home for the family, and often, feeding the neighbors who suffered food instability.

Esther & Pillar Jara Manuel & Pillar Jara
Esther & Pillar Jara Manuel & Pillar Jara, circa 1950s
La Mora became a hub for social gathering amidst the relentless work. Pillar was instrumental in instilling deeply foundational values that would shape her daughters' lives. These memories defined Soledad's core of her being, the comforting routines of family, agricultural seasons, devout religious observance, and the anticipation life would remain joyful in this serene cycle.

Soledad Flores Jara married Luis Sandoval Jara on Dec. 26, 1956 at 22 and the newlyweds moved to Palo Alto, CA, in mid-1957. What ensued was a familiar, deeply personal journey, transitioning from simple village existence to "American" life.

PALO ALTO 1957-1962; MOUNTAIN VIEW 1962-2023:

Soledad married Luis and left the sheltered small town world. Leaving the Villa was frightening for her, but yearly visits to MX strengthened familial bonds.

They arrived in Palo Alto in September 1957, with just the two suitcases they carried and much faith in their decision. Luis almost immediately secured two jobs and worked 12-hour days, again saving for their own apartment and later, their first home. Their first apartment was nearly barren– they slept under cardboard while slowly acquiring some modest furniture.

Soledad and Luis welcomed their first son, Francisco Javier in November of 1957, then Luis Jr (Lou) in 1959, and Ricardo (Ric) in 1960. The Jaras had their first three children within 5 years. Soledad slowly learned to navigate public life, and develop her emerging bilingual language skills.

Luis Sandoval Jara in AK
Luis Sandoval Jara in AK, early-mid 1950s
Later, Soledad gave birth to David Patricio (1964), Jose Vicente (1965) and Felipe Octavio (1969), establishing the family of six boys as noteworthy within the neighborhood. Luis & Soledad taught the Jara sons to work, earn and save. The boys internalized these lessons in life, with paper routes and multiple part-time jobs, which taught valuable life experiences.

In 1962, Luis and Soledad settled in Mtn. View, CA, in a modest home which nurtured children and grandchildren for over 50 years. Luis lived in the family home until his death November 26, 2011 – the day after Thanksgiving. The Jaras enjoyed many friendships, and their life echoed the mythic American dream canonized by Leave It To Beaver.

SOLEDAD JARA BEYOND DOMESTIC LIFE:

Soledad in 1977 emancipated herself from providing "free" childcare for neighbors. She snuck down the street and applied for a cafeteria position at Crittenden Middle School, just 3-4 blocks and 8 minutes walking time from the Jara homestead. She didn't reveal her application nor ask permission, she simply made the executive decision she wanted a change.

The next day as Luis was again prepping for a day shift, he answered the phone and was stunned to discover the school had offered Soledad the job. After some brief discussion, Luis quickly agreed and Soledad began her work life outside of the home. Soledad became iconic as one of the "lunch ladies" who demonstrated kindness to the children and efficiency to her colleagues. For the first time, she had a job outside of the home, and defined a change in her worldview. She enjoyed the work, made friends with coworkers, and created an identity beyond Mrs. and Mom. She worked for the school district for approximately 12 years, until a work injury ended her venture. Soledad recalled with great relish the excitement of earning income, supporting their sons, and enjoying the rewards of their ambition and ganas.

SILICON VALLEY HOME OWNERSHIP:

Soledad (far left) and colleagues, circa 1977
Soledad (far left) and colleagues, circa 1977
Luis and Soledad helped finance and secure a shared property on Rengstorff Avenue where the the older Jara sons were young adults, could live and begin developing their credit histories. Over their lifetime, Luis and Soledad helped each of their six sons buy their first homes, which was an accomplishment for both the former farm girl and bartender supporting a family of eight on service industry wages.

THE JARA FAMILY NETWORK:

Over the years Soledad and Luis worked to preserve The Jara family network with extended family–cousins, aunts and uncles–settled nearby in SF, Monterey, Castroville-Salinas, Modesto and other areas. Though time, distance, and work-life similar demands have impacted family bonds, their connections are potent reminders of the importance of family and cultural roots.

Her last visit to MX, in 2007, was deeply joyful, defined by the time spent with aunts, uncles, cousins who were steadfast despite the geographic separation. The Villa was still remarkable in its smallness but the reward was bountiful, as Soledad and Esther reunited. The two sisters had lived through separation and distance, parental loss, children, economic hardship and worry, yet the moment was pure joyfulness beyond words. They had endured and prospered despite the different paths, and they celebrated their unshaken bonds.

Luis and Soledad celebrated Christmas in MX Esther and Aureliano, great-nieces and nephews. This evening was the last time the sisters and families gathered and celebrated together, but the memory of that experience still comforts.

Soledad leaves behind her sons and grandchildren with treasured memories and insight, MX traditions, and gratitude for her gift of life.