Piedad B. Navarro

Piedad B. Navarro

April 08, 1934 – March 29, 2020  

Piedad Benavides Navarro, age 85, of Camarillo, passed away on March 29, 2020, in her home surrounded by her devoted family.

Piedad was born on April 8th, 1934. The eldest of 10 brothers and sisters of the Benavides family originally from Rancho de los Gonzales, Jalisco, Mexico. Raised in a humble, loving environment, she and her siblings were instilled with a strict moral code and a set of family values that are intrinsic components of the legacy she leaves behind. She married Jose G. Navarro at age twenty, and together they had five children.

Piedad aspired to become a nurse. Even without a formal education, she was trained by the regional physician on how to administer care to her rural community, if the need arose, and in the absence of a medical doctor. She was a quick study. Her nurturing character and patience made her the fitting caretaker and was called upon often. Piedad remained in Rancho de los Gonzales, while her husband worked as a Bracero.

In 1966, she emigrated from Mexico, to join her husband in Oxnard, CA, and she later became a US Citizen. Her first employment was working in the strawberry fields in the agricultural plains of Oxnard, CA. Truly an inspiration, she would often bring their children to work with her on weekends. Thus, teaching her children how to become hard-working, tenacious and humble. She led by example and worked hard to improve her life and the lives of her family by carrying on such responsibility while her husband traveled to different worksites.

A testament to her exemplary work ethic, Piedad was admired by her supervisors and co-workers, that she met along the way. She worked at Lorenz Broom & Mop, Co., Newbury Park, CA for a few years prior to enrolling in a trade school learning the necessary skills to secure employment at Power One, Camarillo, CA. Seeking growth & advancement, Piedad ultimately went to work for Gaiser Tools, Ventura, CA, until her retirement in 2001 at age 67.

Piedad enjoyed her retirement and independence. She enjoyed traveling to see family in Tonaya, Jalisco, Mexico, shopping with family, listening to music, and accepting invitations to visit the Chumash Casino in Solvang, CA. Piedad was quite the avid gardener. She enjoyed baking, canning, and delighting family with her recipes like her famed “tamales colados.” And would occasionally prepare her signature dish, “chilito dulce” enchiladas, in anticipation of special company.

Piedad’s home was a magnet for family, friends & fiestas! And as part of a large extended family she enjoyed countless birthdays, weddings, quinceañeras, Tamaleadas, family reunions, and celebrations.

Her ultimate days passed surrounded by loving family and friends who she touched in many ways during her life. Her words of wisdom, renowned hospitality and gentle smile will forever be ingrained in the hearts of all who knew her. Esteemed matriarch of the Navarro family, and devout woman of faith, she will be remembered as a pillar of strength, optimism, and her unwavering love of life and family.

Piedad was preceded in death by her parents Gumesindo and Rosario Benavides, her brother Leovijildo Benavides, and her husband of 55 years, Jose G. Navarro.

She is survived by her 5 children – Brigida Francisca Espinoza, Elvia Maria Finkel, Jose Rafael Navarro, Maria Rosario Garcia, and Jose Luis Navarro as well as 8 of her siblings, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

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Piedad Navarro nació el 8 de abril de 1934, la mayor de 10 hermanos y hermanas de la familia Benavides, originaria de Rancho de los Gonzales, Jalisco, México. Se casó con José G. Navarro en 1955 y es madre de cinco hijos. La familia se mudó a los Estados Unidos en 1966 y se convirtió en residentes permanentes y más tarde en ciudadanos estadounidenses. Trabajó para Gaiser Tools en Ventura hasta su jubilación a los 67 años en 2001. 

Amaba su independencia y fue una ávida jardinera durante muchos años. Como parte de una gran familia extendida, disfrutó de los numerosos cumpleaños, bodas, quinceañeras y numerosas reuniones familiares y fue amada por todos. 

Nunca olvidaremos su fuerza, optimismo y su amor por la vida y la familia. 

Sus últimos días pasaron rodeados de familiares y amigos amorosos a quienes tocó de muchas maneras durante su vida. Le sobreviven sus 5 hijos: Brígida Espinoza, Elvia Finkel, José Rafael Navarro, Maria Rosario García y José Luis Navarro, así como 8 de sus hermanos, 11 nietos y 10 bisnietos. 

Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director