Dia de los Muertos
experience in the Death Care industry, she invited me to
partner with her in this new venture. She was the new owner of
a cemetery with a bad reputation due to the unkempt facilities
and rampant vandalism. I was being offered the freedom to
help the very needy and make a difference in people’s lives. I
didn’t hesitate and just dove in.
Because La Vista Memorial Park is the second oldest cemetery
in San Diego County, we had 30 civil war veterans buried on
its grounds. At a small Memorial Day tribute, I got the idea
to organize a Memorial Day Ceremony and invited the entire
community. It became an instant success.
I also initiated Día de Los Muertos, inspired by the untimely death
of my father, Julius Edward McCarthy. His death shook my world.
I lost the person who was always there for me. In honoring him in
my grief, I vowed to create the most authentic experience of this
beloved holiday. I wanted to change people’s perceptions from
dark, even morbid to something beautiful. Many people like myself
immigrated to the United States. Some were unable to go back to
their country. Growing up in Mexico, we celebrated life by creating
altars, listening to music, and honoring the lives of our dearly
departed. I saw these events as a way to preserve the history
and cultural traditions of Hispanic culture.
My advice to other women is don’t be afraid of failure. You will
never know what success really feels like unless you have also
failed. Connect with others. Ask for help. If you ask, you will
probably get it. Stay open minded. Keep learning. Be patient
and persistent.
I am passionate about encouraging young men and women
to pursue their education. Be proud of your heritage. Keep
studying, stay in school. It’s never too late to learn. I finally went
back to school and got my Master’s in business. My PHD is
next. You definitely get out of life what you give.
APRIL 2018 | GBSAN.COM 51