Estrada Family Page

Tomas & Mary Luisa Estrada

Tomas Estrada was born in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico on January 10, 1910 and passed away just one month short of his 101st birthday in December 2010. His mother died at a young age and he experienced great hardships after her passing. His father later remarried and relocated the family to the United States to seek better opportunities like many others. In 1929 Tomas married Mary Luisa Pena and together they had six children; Clara, Roberto, Francisco, Syria, Daniel and Evelina Estrada.

Mary Luisa Estrada was born in Anaheim, California on June 21, 1911 and passed on October 1, 1996. For the most part she stayed home to care for her children, but for a short period during war she worked in a factory riveting airplanes. Tomas and Mary Luisa held strong Christian beliefs. Tomas would walk his children to the local Christian church In Westminster, California every Sunday morning. Mary Luisa would stay back to clean house and prepare “caldo de res” (beef stew) as a special dinner for the family.

During World War II Tomas served as an Air Raid Warden. He was responsible for reporting incidents, protecting people during air raids and providing Air Raid Precaution advice to the public in his designated area. Tomas was employed as a water truck driver at an ammunition dump also known as an ammunition supply point which was a military storage facility for live ammunition and explosives during the war. This was a hazardous occupation. He later purchased his first delivery truck to begin distribution of goods. As his business grew he was able to expand and purchase more trucks to employ other family members.

Like the other parents involved in Mendez et al v. Westminster, Tomas was passionate and driven to bring an end to the segregation of schools in California. Together they joined forces so their children could be afforded the same opportunities, basic human rights and equal education as the children at the white only schools. Being part of this extraordinary achievement in history is one of the greatest accomplishments for the Estrada Family. However we must continue to fight to make certain that history is shared accurately and that all five families are recognized equally for their contribution in this great achievement.