Esther Perez Raya

Esther was born on September 20, 1924 in a box car in Barstow, CA and was raised in Mexicali by her parents Jose and Susana Perez with her 5 siblings. Esther met her husband, Sacramento J. Raya and together they raised their 7 children in Castroville and Tracy. Esther was a devout Catholic, a member of the Guadalupe Society, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 16 Karl Ross, an FFA Volunteer and she retired from H.J. Heinz after 25 years. Esther loved spending time in her garden, at the casino and partying with her family. Her family is 5 generations strong; she has 16 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and 15 great great-grandchildren. She is survived by Veronica and Luis Avina, Cynthia Raya, Susan “Jessica” and Joseph Maes, Frank Raya, James Raya and Monica Raya. She is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Sacramento J. Raya, her son Anthony J. Raya, her daughter in law, Carol Raya, her granddaughter Cora and great granddaughter Phoebe.
Esther was a 4’ 11” powerhouse, with an intelligence that surpassed any formal education. She mastered her building skills daily as much as her sharpshooter skills. Age equipped her with quick witted remarks, remarkable jokes, and the greatest of laughs. At 96 she inspired everyone to live. She laughed, loved, and enjoyed life. She drank and ate to enjoy the family that surrounded her and on the day that we lay her to rest we will give her a final day of celebration and enjoyment. She was loved by all and she will be greatly missed. May she raise a glass of tequila with her husband, a cigarette with her Sister Cora, and dance on a table as her brother Tony strings the guitar to her favorite song Volver Volver!
Visitation Monday February 15th 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at 410 S. Tracy Blvd, Tracy CA 95376
Rosary will be Monday February 15th starting at 5:00 P.M. at 410 S. Tracy Blvd, Tracy CA 95376
Final Viewing February 16th from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at 410 S. Tracy Blvd, Tracy CA 95376
Graveside Service February 16th at 1:30 P.M. at 501 W Schulte Rd, Tracy, CA 95376

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