Gloria Molina DeOcampo

I was born February 18, 1934 in La Salle County Texas to Ascension and Margarita Molina. We came to California right after my High School Graduation. We were Migrant workers. We stopped in the Central Valley and cut raisin grapes. We moved on to pick tomatoes and cotton in 100 degree weather.

The following year we moved to Watsonville. I can remember driving over beautiful Mt. Madonna and seeing the beautiful view of Watsonville. In Watsonville, I found a job with Lazo, DeOcampo and Rosser fields. I later married Paul T. DeOcampo. “I was never unemployed again”, I would joke. We had three children Veronica, Antoinette and later Paul.

After my youngest went to Kindergarten, I went back to school. I attended courses at Gavilan College, Gilroy, where I later graduated. I began working as a classroom aide for Migrant Education, Pajaro Valley Unified School District. In 1980, after attending UC Santa Cruz, I became a Credentialed Teacher, and I went on to complete my Master’s Degree from The University of La Verne in 1981. I tell you friends and family God was always with me, guiding the way.

I loved my Teaching Career. Taking students from the beginnings of writing to writing paragraphs was a sheer joy. I would take every opportunity to encourage my students to “Reach for The Stars”. Seize every opportunity and work hard. I taught at

H. A. Hyde School, Pajaro Valley Unified School District for over 25 years. I also treasure the friendships I made while teaching at H. A. Hyde School.

In addition to teaching I served Community of Watsonville thru Salud Para Gente, Board of Directors for 20 years, The Retired Teacher’s Board Cal RTA, Young Women’s Institute YLI and my beloved Parish of St Patrick’s through most of my life.

To my children, grandchildren and their families, I am truly proud of you and who you have become. I love you dearly and will continue to pray for you, as I did in life.

To my friends, thank you for putting up with me. I ask for your forgiveness. My prayers will be always with you for you were always dear to my heart.

I had a long and good life, thank you Jesus.

Sincerely,

Gloria DeOcampo