Elena Canchola, 79 years old, a 71 year resident of Fillmore passed away Saturday June 14th, 2008, in her room at the Fillmore Convalescent Nursing Home after struggling with an illness for 7 years.
She was born Elena Leon, on August 18th, 1928, in Riverside California; where she lived with her family until moving to the San Fernando area, and later to Fillmore at the young age of 8 years old. When Elena was old enough she went to work for Fillmore and Piru Citrus; where she graded and helped pack some California’s best oranges for 42 years. When Elena wasn’t at work she would love to be out tending to her garden, or when she was looking for a little more fun you could find Elena at the casinos of Chumash, Laughlin, or Las Vegas.
She was preceded in death by her father Gabriel Leon and mother Nicolasa Leon and brother Elias Leon.
She is survived by her husband Jose Canchola, step-son Joey Canchola, brother Ralph Leon of Fillmore and family, brother Jess Leon of Fillmore and family, sister Eva Diaz of Ventura and her husband Larry, sister Lupe Ramos of Ventura and family, and numerous nephews and nieces.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at Fillmore Convalescent for everything they were able to do for Elena during her stay with them.
There will a Chapel Visitation held in Elena’s honor on Monday, June 23rd, 2008, starting at 8:00 A.M. and ending at 9:30 A.M., at the Skillin Carroll Chapel located at 600 N. Central Ave. in Fillmore. The Rosary will also be spoken for her at 9:00 A.M., on Monday, June 23rd, 2008, at the Skillin Carroll Chapel. The Mass to celebrate Elena’s Life will be held on Monday, June 23rd, 2008, at 10:00 A. M. at the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fillmore, and the burial services will follow at the Bardsdale Cemetery in Fillmore. After the services the family would like to invite Elena’s friends and loved ones to join them at a reception that will be held in her honor at the St. Francis of Assisi Hall located directly behind the St. Francis of Assisi Church building in Fillmore. Arrangements were done under the care of the Skillin Carroll Mortuary, 805-524-0744.