Dolores Lechuga Suarez

Dolores passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, 2023 at her home in Wilmington. She was 103. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn; son, Michael; grandchildren: Anissa, Adriana (Chris Sulsona), Anthony Jr. (Son) Racaza; great-grandchildren: Yolie, Tone, Max, Chazzy, Lilly, and surviving sister, Julia Lechuga Garcia. Dolores led a long and glorious life. The daughter of Juan and Christina Reyes Lechuga who had 16 children, she was born as the eighth child in San Bernardino in 1919, and was the first woman in her family to graduate from San Bernardino High School in 1938.

Her first job was as a translator in FDR’s New Deal Program during the Great Depression. In 1942 she married Pastor Racaza, with whom she had 2 children, Arthur and Anthony. Later she married Sergio Suarez, and had Carolyn and Michael. Dolores had a passion for Life, Learning and Service. For many years, Dolores was active in the Filipino Community of the Harbor area, and the Visayan Brotherhood where she held many leadership posts, including secretary for 60 years. She was also active in the Wilmington Senior Citizens Center, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and Legion of Mary at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

At her 100th Birthday celebration she received Congressional, State and City commendations honoring her “Life’s work and dedication to her family and community; and, positive impact that will be felt for many generations to come.” Although a leader in her community, Dolores spent most of her time being a “leader” to her family whom she LOVED very much, especially her children and grandchildren. MOM, WE WILL REALLY MISS YOU!!