LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — With great love and sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, María de Jesús Hernandez Cázares, known to all as Mama Chucha, who passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 15, 2025, at the age of 97.

She was born on Dec. 8, 1927, in La Loma, Michoacán, México, to Jesús Hernández Melchor and Josefa Cázares Cornejo.

Mama Chucha lived a life full of resilience, love and dedication. She experienced some of the most transformative events in history, including the Cristero War, the Great Depression and the land reforms in Mexico that led to the establishment of ejidos.

She also lived through the challenging years of separation from her husband, Gonzalo Rico Ruiz, during World War II when he left for the United States as part of the Bracero Program. Despite the distance, their love endured, and they remained united for 77 years of marriage.

In 1960, Mama Chucha and Gonzalo received land through the ejido program and built a home and a life in El Pino Real, Michoacán.

Mama Chucha was known for her many talents. She tended to a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers, made delicious fresh cheese and prepared tortillas by hand on her metate using nixtamal. Her meals were legendary — made with love and care, using fresh ingredients grown right on their land: beans, squash, corn, tomatoes, chilies, sweet potatoes and avocados. Her family will forever remember the warmth of her kitchen, where delicious aromas filled the air and the love she poured into every meal.

In 2017, Mama Chucha and Gonzalo moved to Kelseyville, California, to be closer to their children.

She is survived by her loving husband, Gonzalo Rico Ruiz, and their children: Jerónimo Rico, Cruz Rico, Carmelo Rico, Guadalupe Rico, María Rivas, Martín Rico, Amalia Rico, Rosa María Rico and Mario Rico.

Mama Chucha was also blessed with 33 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry on her memory with love and gratitude.

She was predeceased by her son Gonzalo Rico II.

Mama Chucha’s life was one of strength, faith and dedication. She was a devout Catholic and never failed to pray the daily rosary, always keeping her entire family in her prayers. Her warmth, kindness and the many lessons she imparted will live on through her family and all those who were fortunate enough to know her. She was a woman of faith, a loving mother and grandmother, and a true matriarch whose love and influence will forever be felt.

Descanza en paz, Mama Chucha. Siempre vivirás en nuestros corazones y tu amor nos acompañará para siempre.

Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary on Friday, Jan. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m., with Rosary at 6 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Lakeport on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.