One Woman Celebrates Living 100 years

On Sunday, April 6th, Carmen Villanueva recently celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, close friends, and neighbors. Carmen Juarez (her maiden name) was born in a little mining town in Sonora Arizona on April 9th, 1914. Her father worked with the railroad and came to San Bernardino when she was very young. She had three sisters and three brothers, and at one time they lived across from Nunez Park in San Bernardino. She graduated from San Bernardino High School. Her father, Santiago Juarez rented space on 3rd St. in downtown San Bernardino. He owned a barber shop, but it was also a store that sold records and placed orders for tailored suits for men. She worked in the store playing records for customers and keeping the books for him. He was very strict and didn’t allow her to leave, but she worked part time at Newberry’s where she met her husband, John Villanueva. John Villanueva was born in East Los Angeles on March 8, 1914. He did not have formal education and started his career in East Highland in the area now known as, “the Ranchito”. He became a leading national salesman in the country for American National Insurance Co and earned the chance to attend several conventions. He introduced many families to the benefits of having life insurance. He had a debit route and went door to door selling and collecting monthly premiums. There were no computers at the time and he carried a large debit book with him to keep track of accounts. At times, some customers couldn’t meet their monthly premium and he would cover them until they could. He was well-known, especially in the South Colton Area. He was a hard worker and had a desire to succeed and provide for his family. He was also a “Do it yourself” man. He believed in the importance of saving money for the future and to live within your means and seldom bought anything on credit. He bought their little house in the area of San Bernardino that was/is known as Meadowbrook. He eventually purchased some land to have their home built near Valley College which is where Villanueva still resides. Carmen met John when she was working at Newberry’s, a “Five and Dime” store located in downtown San Bernardino. She was not allowed to date, but was able to go out occasionally with her younger sisters and would meet with John. She remembers the dances that took place near a lake where the Inland Center Mall is now. John and Carmen enjoyed dancing to the songs from the big band era. In May of 1942, they eloped and were married in Yuma Arizona, both at the age of 28. Carmen and John were married for 49 years until John passed away in 1991. Villanueva shares that she is very happy with the life she had with John. When they first started out in their little apartment, she used a dresser drawer as a crib for her son, Ernest. She often says how lucky she was to be given the opportunity to travel to so many places. Together she and her husband traveled to Brazil, Switzerland, Japan, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Hawaii, New Orleans, Orlando, Florida, Dallas and San Antonio Texaz among other places. One of her favorite stories to tell was how brave she was to fly in a little 2-seater plane while her husband was too afraid to go. Another time, they were on their way back from Japan and had a stopover in Hawaii, she went shopping and lost track of time and they missed the plane. She was actually happy that they got to stay over in Hawaii an extra day. Villanueva took great pride in keeping detailed records, she often balanced John’s debit book and had perfect penmanship. Taking care of her husband and family were very important to her. She took care of her elderly mom, and set that example for her children. She was an excellent cook and many of meals were family favorites including albondigas and chile verde. Villanueva has three children, nine grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. She believes the secret to her long life is that she never smokes and drinks little alcohol. She always made it a point to provide fresh fruit and vegetables, with spinach being her favorite. She hardly bought fast food for her family and tried to provide good meals, and felt it was important to take vitamins. Villanueva celebrated her 100 years and looks forward to 101.