Alberta Minjares

It is with great sadness that the family of Alberta “Berta” Minjares announces her passing on October 9, 2018 in the city of Canoga Park at the age of 89. She was born in La Canada, California, on June 6, 1929 to Manuel and Mariana Ballesteros. When Alberta was in sixth grade, the family settled in Canoga Park where she shyly attended a new school, Winnetka Elementary. Shortly thereafter, she was hospitalized at Santa Teresita Sanatorium along with her older sister, Adelina, for several years due to tuberculosis. Upon leaving the hospital, she worked very hard alongside her family in the fields and orchards of the San Fernando and San Joaquin Valleys. On December 2, 1951, she married Raymond A. Minjares, and they raised their four children in the barrio of Canoga Park. Alberta was widowed at the early age of 46 and continued alone to raise her two youngest daughters, Irene and Janet. She became an active member of the Christian faith and found peace and comfort in reading Bible passages. In the 90’s, she moved to Palmdale where she lived for 20 years before entering a nursing home after the passing of her beloved son, Danny. Throughout her life, Alberta especially enjoyed going to the movies with her family. She was an avid reader, spending hours comfortably reading and rereading a variety of novels. To avoid cooking, she loved to eat out and would never decline an invitation. During summers, Alberta looked forward to visiting the sights in Sacramento with daughter, Gloria. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Minjares, son, Daniel Minjares, grandson, Raymond Ramirez, sister, Adelina Gonzales, and brother, Manuel Ballesteros. She is survived by her daughters, Gloria (Manuel) Diaz, Irene Minjares, Janet “Corkey” Minjares, 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, sister, Sylvia Marquez and several nieces and nephews. We were truly blessed to have had her in our lives for so many years. Viewing on Saturday, October 20 beginning at 9:00am at Chapel of the Valley Mortuary, 1755 E. Ave. R, Palmdale, CA 93550. Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am at same location in Palmdale. Burial to be held at 12:30pm at San Fernando Mission Catholic Cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave, Mission Hills, CA 91345. Reception will follow.