Rose Olympia Duran

Rose Olympia Duran was born on October 17th 1925 in Los Angeles. She had 5 sisters and 5 brothers. She had 12 kids, 9 boys and 3 girls and also raised 2 of her grandchildren, Johnny and Yolanda. 50 grand kids, 119 great grand kids, and 29 great great grand kids (maybe more). At a young age she moved to Delano with her brothers and sisters. At the age of 17 she moved from Delano back to LA working as a seamstress. While back in LA she met the love of her life, Johnny. As a couple and with 2 young sons Ralph and Richard, they packed their belongings and moved to Bakersfield. They settled down and raised 10 more children. Later on in her life she worked for a short time as a teacher's aid but had to set her profession aside when her Daughter, Celia, tragically passed away. She then took on the role as a Mother again, raising her 2 grandchildren. Her house was never quiet and was always full of grandchildren and good times, even teaching them how to dance to cumbias. She loved reminiscing about swing dancing with her love. At the age of 80 life started to take its toll and she begin to slow down and needed more assistance from her Daughter, Esther. Esther would visit daily and provided her with any necessities that she may have needed, along with preparing her meals. At the age of 91 she needed total care and Esther, Yvonne, and Greg were there to make sure she was well taken care of and did so til the end, surrounded by many of her grandchildren, she took her last breath. She will always be loved, honored, cherished, and live through all of us.

Nearly ninety three years ago, on October 17th, in Los Angeles, Mom was born to Josefa Silva andGuadalupe Duran. It was an age unlike today's. Through her stories I learned life was harsh and difficult for her family. She experienced extreme physical conditions. Along with funny moments. For example, one day she and her Mother Josefa and one of her brothers were riding in an open top model T Ford. They were on a dirt road when the model T flipped over on its side. With her and Grandma laying down sideways in the car seat, her brother got out flipped the car right side up and they continued on their way. Mom told me she was laughing hysterically. If that life had any comforts, then that moment was one of them. Overall, her early life was not easy. It may well be that era shaped and influenced the extraordinary strength of her character. Those who knew her can confirm Mom was one tough lady.

Rose Olympia Duran, was a compassionate, giving and loving woman. She cared for, gave to and loved her family during her entire life. She was graceful in manner, beautiful in appearance and strong in spirit. Despite the life tragedies she suffered or turmoil's experienced, Mom kept pushing forward. She possessed intelligence, humor and many passions in life. Some include dancing to traditional Mexican music. Especially corridors y rancheras. It was not uncommon to hear "El Grito" in our home.





Though she was not perfect she did have traditional values. God, family and hanging in there were at the top of her list.

One particular value was compassion. I can never forget the night we were eating one of her delicious home cooked Mexican food. As we sat at the kitchen table where we lived on Monterey street, we heard a knock on the window. I saw a ragged, down and out homeless man staring at us. I tried chasing him away, but Mom told me to have him come inside, wash up and sit down to eat with us. She told me to never deny the hungry. Another sweet memory is from our Robinson street home. Mom had me to go across the street to LA Perla market. Where I bought some apples. Afterwards, Mom made all her young kids candy apples.



Nearly all of our youthful summers our family went to Hart Park. With a trunk full of food and drinks on ice. We would swim, run around and just enjoy life with each other. No matter what, Mom was at the center of all family functions.

While we lived on North King Street, I used to get crippling leg cramps always in the very early dawn. Which caused me to moan out in pain. Without hesitation. Mom would get up, slap a big chunk of lard onto a hot pan and liquefy it. Then she would massage the oil on my legs and wrap them in several towels. The pain would instantly leave and sleep wouldcome.

Mom had three daughters and nine sons. From them she became a grandmother to numerous children. Many of whom are here today. She had several sisters and brothers. Which makes her tia to many nephews and nieces. Therefore, she was always someone to everyone.

To me, she was the core of my inner most being. I discovered this truth both instinctively and intellectually while still a young boy. Back then I was a curious kid. Constantly observed my world.

Back then, I could not comprehend a world with out my Mother. I knew this in my heart. Like I knew this intellectually. Because I tried out an objective test on myself. Where by I ran several scenarios through my mind. In an attempt to discover whether or not any situation existed wherein I could survive in life without Mom. A couple hours later into this mental exercise I discovered the answer was a big NO! I was 12 years old then. Further, through my observations, I concluded three things with 100% absolute certainty:

As I grew from a child into a man, I turned my curiosity towards books. I read. Something that my Mom sparked in me when I was about 7 or 8 years old. Through my readings I learned something interesting.

Which is my absolute belief that my mother will always be there for me, was not a mere childhood fantasy. Faith in an ideal bigger than myself has carried me over the line time after time. During the long long years of our correspondence, Mom always stressed the power of God. Many times her encouraging words made me see things through.

Further proof of her never ending presence is the children of her children here today. All of you carry not only her bloodline, but her memory and love that does in fact last forever.