February 10, 1927 – September 25, 2017
Eleanor Leyvas Marquez had a full life before passing Monday, September 25, 2017, at the age of 90.
Born in Yuma, Arizona February 10, 1927 to Louis and Maria Leyvas, Eleanor arrived in Watsonville in 1947 with her first husband, John V. Toledo and never left. In the early 60’s Eleanor met the love of her life, Ramon M Marquez whom preceded her in death in May 2004.
Eleanor started out as a housewife eventually moving on to working in the local canneries. From there, she went to waiting tables at PV Golf Couse, Resetar Hotel and the Del Monte Restaurant. In the early 60’s she started one of the first authentic Mexican restaurants in Watsonville “The Little Bit of Mexico” on Main Street. After a very successful stint for several years she moved on to Green Giant scheduling office and Watsonville Cannery offices with her special friends, Faye Fiecoat and Helen Eidemiller. She eventually retired and worked part time as the prep cook for Watsonville Hospital Pink Ladies coffee shop.
Eleanor loved her family; no one ever left her home hungry. She was an excellent cook and loved to entertain family.
Eleanor is survived by her five children, John Jr. Toledo (Harriet) of Texas City, Texas; Louis Toledo Salinas, Theresa Shean (Ed) of Watsonville; Lorraine Rush of Fayetteville, Ark.; and Roque Toledo (Terry Jean) of Watsonville; her eleven grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren
The family wishes to extend our gratitude to the entire staff at Montecito Manor Assisted Living Facility in Watsonville for their awesome gentle and loving care for their Grandma and to Hospice of Santa Cruz especially nurses, Devon and Karen of social services.
Services for Eleanor will be held Monday, October 2, at Mehls Colonial Chapel with the viewing at 11:00 am followed by a vigil and chapel blessing service at 12:30 pm. A private graveside service will follow at Valley Public Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066.
