Etelvina Menchaca was born in Santa Barbara, CA, on Sept. 8, 1938, to Isabela Davila and Juan Gallegos. She was raised by her Godmother Feliz (Pita) Menchaca, Antonio Serrano, and long-time family friend José (Tuti) Hernandez.

Etelvina attended Dolores Catholic Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High School and Santa Barbara High School.

Etelvina was influenced at an early age by her adopted mother Pita Serrano to be a community activist. She began serving food to the homeless and helping Latino families transition from Mexico and other countries in South America to the United States.

Etelvina marched and worked alongside César Chávez, lobbied in Washington, DC, alongside Dolores Huerta, and helped organize and train thousands of Latino families throughout the western United States for more than 50 years.

She was trained in grassroots activism, support and organization by César Chávez, Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden. 

Etelvina was a leading voice on migrant children’s education. Along with many parents from all over California, Etelvina was instrumental in the enactment of AB1308 and SB218 that started and authorized Migrant Education programs under Chapter 1 Categorical Programs in the State of California.

In partnership with the Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Lorenzo Dall’Armi, Etelvina played a vital role in the establishment of migrant children’s education in the county schools of Santa Barbara.

These special programs continued throughout the tenure of Superintendent William J. Cirone. Etelvina was appointed as parent representative from the SBSD for Migrant Education and served as a state parent advisor for All Chaptered Education Programs. and state representative at the federal level.

Etelvina served on many community and state organizations such as La Casa de la Raza, as a board member; Mariachi Festival Board of Directors (past president); C.I.N.A.C.; and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #442 Woman’s Auxiliary, achieving level of auxiliary president. She also received the Latina Woman of the Year award.

Her favorite pastimes were enjoying a cup of coffee throughout the day, playing bingo, listening to mariachi music, watching novelas, and playing the penny machines at Chumash Casino.

But as a mother of nine, Etelvina’s main passion and love was her family.

Etelvina leaves behind her brother,José Muñoz; children Pedro (Rebecca), Marco, Gerardo (Ruby), Lorena (José), Rosalinda, Victoria, Felicia (Tony), and Victor; her 26 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, along with her nephews, nieces, their families, and countless friends. Etelvina was predeceased by her daughter Maria.

A rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 21 E. Sola St.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 6, also at Our Lady of Sorrows, followed immediately by the graveside service at Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Ave.

Arrangements entrusted to Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services.