In Loving memory of
Ana Cleta Arteaga

Ana Cleta Arteaga was born on April 27, 1912 in Zacatecas, Mexico. Of course, everyone called her “Mama Ana” with love and endearment. She died in South Pasadena on December 20, 2007, at age 95. Ana Cleta was a wife of a great man, Leogdegario Arteaga, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother.

It's hard for us to reflect upon our grandmother's life because she was part of it every part of the way, just like she was to everyone. We all have many fond memories, lessons, rosaries, lectures, hardships, and happiness with Mama Ana. You can always count on Mama Ana to provide a smile, a shoulder to cry, an ear to listen, words of wisdom, words of strength and complete unconditional love. We cannot recall a time when she complained or questioned life. She lived her life with meaning and with the power of God, Jesus, La Virgen Mary, and the Holy Spirit. Each day was an opportunity to live life and spread her love. She was the role model we all inspired to be and the family nucleus.

We all have fond memories of living in the apartments. The grandchildren were fortunate to have the opportunity to live and be raised together. We still remember my grandfather and grandmother calling the grandkids to come up and pray the rosary. We remember my grandmother providing the loving support and backbone of our rosary sessions. After praying, we knew my grandmother had Chapurado and bunuelos handy for all of us to eat before going to bed. We remember my grandmother making the best “hamburgers” in town. We remember there was always Kool-Aid in the refrigerator. We remember my grandmother always having “caldo” ready for my grandfather. We remember Mama Ana asking on Sundays, “Did you go to mass today”. After the question, you knew you better make it to the 5pm mass. We can all remember the pure and unconditional love Mama Ana had for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. When we had good news, she was the first person we wanted to share the news. When we had issues or problems, she was the first person that had an ear to listen. She consoled us without judgement, prejudice, or scolding. She knew how to pick up our spirits and she made sure we were back on the path of our catholic faith.

We love you Mama Ana, you will always be in our hearts and prayers.