West Covina CA Funeral Homes
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Heart-felt tributes to honor a dear friend or loved one who has passed away
114 South Glendora Avenue
West Covina, CA 91790
(626) 919-3443
224 South Glendora Avenue
West Covina, CA 91790
(626) 919-1914
West Covina CA Obituaries and Death Notices
Monday, September 19, 2016Navarro, said Gabriel’s music has been a way of connecting with older generations of her family.“I grew up listening, dancing and cleaning my home to their music,” said Navarro, who drove out from West Covina. “Even though I was born and raised here, I have my traditions from my family, which I passed on to my children.”Known for his powerful ballads, including “Hasta Que Te Conocí” (Until I Met You) and “Querida” (Dear), Gabriel was beloved across the world.“For over 40 years, Juan Gabriel brought his beloved Mexican music to millions, transcending borders and generations,” President Barack Obama said Monday.Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto paid tribute to Gabriel on Twitter Sunday, saying his voice and talent “represented Mexico.”• RELATED PHOTOS: Legendary Mexican singer Juan Gabriel dies at 66Born in 1950, in Parácuaro, Michoacán, Gabriel was the youngest of 10 children. But life for the family was tough. His father was taken to a psychiatric hospital when Gabriel was still a baby. Unable to support her children, Gabriel’s mother, Victoria Valadez, sent him to an orphanage.Despite his challenging childhood, the singer, whose real name was Alberto Aguilera Valadez, would eventually become one of the biggest names in Latin music. He went on to compose more than 1,500 songs during his lengthy career. He said he wrote his hit “Eternal Love,” while thinking about his mother who died in 1974.Fan Erika Paz of Moreno Valley said she was inspired by Gabriel’s strength.“Despite machismo (male chauvinism), poverty, his homosexuality, childhood trauma, he was able to triumph,” Paz said.In tribute, she asked her Facebook friends to share their favorite Juan Gabriel songs. Numerous people chimed in, sharing the hits “Yo No Nací Para Amar” (I wasn’t born to love), and “Siempre En Mi Mente” (Always in my mind). But some also talked about how his music helped with dealing with heartbreak and coping with the adversities of being gay.“He (Juan Gabriel) was a diva and unafraid,” Paz said.Back at the memorial in Westchester, fan Maribel Smith stood away from the media storm and focused on the mortuary, saying prayers for the music giant whose life story was weaved into her own.“I’m from the same hometown in Michoacán,” said Smith, who now lives in Thousand Oaks.Smith added that she was touched by Gabriel’s ability to combine the right lyrics and melodies to consistently deliver “a hit at your heart.”“He has a very, very sad story, but he converted into a nice story by creating music,” Smith said. “He brings such a joy — his personality his songs, he was a very sincere person.”Staff writers Megan Barnes, Alejandra Molina and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
West Covina News
Monday, September 19, 2016Navarro, said Gabriel’s music has been a way of connecting with older generations of her family.“I grew up listening, dancing and cleaning my home to their music,” said Navarro, who drove out from West Covina. “Even though I was born and raised here, I have my traditions from my family, which I passed on to my children.”Known for his powerful ballads, including “Hasta Que Te Conocí” (Until I Met You) and “Querida” (Dear), Gabriel was beloved across the world.“For over 40 years, Juan Gabriel brought his beloved Mexican music to millions, transcending borders and generations,” President Barack Obama said Monday.Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto paid tribute to Gabriel on Twitter Sunday, saying his voice and talent “represented Mexico.”• RELATED PHOTOS: Legendary Mexican singer Juan Gabriel dies at 66Born in 1950, in Parácuaro, Michoacán, Gabriel was the youngest of 10 children. But life for the family was tough. His father was taken to a psychiatric hospital when Gabriel was still a baby. Unable to support her children, Gabriel’s mother, Victoria Valadez, sent him to an orphanage.Despite his challenging childhood, the singer, whose real name was Alberto Aguilera Valadez, would eventually become one of the biggest names in Latin music. He went on to compose more than 1,500 songs during his lengthy career. He said he wrote his hit “Eternal Love,” while thinking about his mother who died in 1974.Fan Erika Paz of Moreno Valley said she was inspired by Gabriel’s strength.“Despite machismo (male chauvinism), poverty, his homosexuality, childhood trauma, he was able to triumph,” Paz said.In tribute, she asked her Facebook friends to share their favorite Juan Gabriel songs. Numerous people chimed in, sharing the hits “Yo No Nací Para Amar” (I wasn’t born to love), and “Siempre En Mi Mente” (Always in my mind). But some also talked about how his music helped with dealing with heartbreak and coping with the adversities of being gay.“He (Juan Gabriel) was a diva and unafraid,” Paz said.Back at the memorial in Westchester, fan Maribel Smith stood away from the media storm and focused on the mortuary, saying prayers for the music giant whose life story was weaved into her own.“I’m from the same hometown in Michoacán,” said Smith, who now lives in Thousand Oaks.Smith added that she was touched by Gabriel’s ability to combine the right lyrics and melodies to consistently deliver “a hit at your heart.”“He has a very, very sad story, but he converted into a nice story by creating music,” Smith said. “He brings such a joy — his personality his songs, he was a very sincere person.”Staff writers Megan Barnes, Alejandra Molina and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
