Eleanor Rojas Obituary

Question: How do you feel Mom?Mom's usual answer: With my hands. Sadly, we won't be able to ask Mom this question any longer, because it is with bittersweetness that we announce the passing of our beautiful Mom, Nana, Sis and Aunt(ie), Eleanor Rosario Rojas, who made the peaceful transition into eternity on May 1, 2023. Eleanor was the 3rd child of five born to Cornelio and Timotea Chayra on May 15, 1932. She lived most of her young life in Garey, California where immigrant families flourished as a tight community with those living in Tepusquet and Sisquoc. She attended a one-room elementary school in Garey (no longer) located behind the current Garey Store. From there, she attended and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1950. Eleanor eventually caught the eye of Peter J. Rojas from a local Sisquoc family and eloped with him to Las Vegas on a cold snowy day in January 1955. Both worked at the area's Southern Pacific (SP) Milling plant located near the Sisquoc River where their fathers also worked. Eleanor was an office bookkeeper/dispatcher while Pete drove the plant's cement mixer or trucks n' trailers. The couple settled in Santa Maria where they had four children and through hard work and shrewd financial management, bought a custom home (still family occupied) in a new housing tract in Northeast Santa Maria. While we kids were growing up, Mom took part-time employment to include tax bookkeeping, CNA training, taking an art class at Allan Hancock JC, and later landing a fulfilling job with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District as an instructional/resource aide with the Bilingual/Bicultural/Migrant Program. At that time, she also served briefly as the area union representative for her local chapter. Mom became a proud grandmother to Daniel and Josh who loved their Nana. She would always say they were "Pals to the end and beyond". After retirement, Mom and Dad spent time taking road trips and exploring the camping & fishing spots which included Bishop, June Lake, Sequoia National Park, Laughlin, Chico, and much more. Mom's dedication to her family and grandchildren included attending school functions, sporting events, trying new recipes, backyard BBQing, redecorating the home, landscaping the yard, and patronizing local events. Later the folks became active Moose Lodge members, while Mom volunteered to join the Catholic Daughters, responsible for community outreach events. After Dad's passing in 2018, Mom slowed her activity but kept herself informed and devoted to reading and clipping articles from medical journals, Christian/Catholic devotionals, cooking magazines, and the Los Angeles Times. She never hesitated to share her opinion on current events, news-making personalities, and giving wise counsel. She enjoyed watching Western shows such as Gunsmoke, The Virginian, Bonanza, and Wagon Train, and her guilty pleasures were The National Enquirer and Publisher's Clearing House. Despite setbacks in her health, Mom never complained and always maintained an optimistic attitude. This was reflected in her cheerful singing from songs that she grew up listening to. These background tunes made being at home with her a cheerful haven. Mom was a proud survivor of breast cancer. Prior to that, she had a near-death experience in which she was guided back to life by her pre-deceased loved ones. Mom accepted this experience as a sign to care for and support her living family. Eleanor was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend who helped bring out the best in people. She never forgot where she came from and always gave others the time, attention, and respect, especially her former students and their families. Eleanor is survived by four children, Peter T. Rojas of Santa Barbara, Christina (Scott) Armstrong of Dewey, Arizona, Thomas J. Rojas (Renee Saunders) of Santa Maria, and Robert C. Rojas of Santa Maria, her two grandchildren, Daniel J. Del Rio (fiancee Leanna Litten), and Joshua Rojas, both of Santa Maria, along with brother Richard (Melinda) Chayra, sister Dolores McCabe, several cousins, nephews/nieces, and her cat pals, Blue and PJ. In lieu of flowers, send donations to: Catholic Daughters, Court #1079/Eleanor Rojas, or any Veterans Support organizations.