Obituary of Emma G. Galvan

Emma G. Galvan (September 16, 1921* – June 11, 2012) Emma Imelda González-Salmones (her maiden name) known with endearment by her family and loved ones as "Bumpa," was more than just a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin or an aunt she was and will always be a treasure. Her legacy will be carried out in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She left a print on this earth that will remain with great symbolism in all of her paintings that adorn our walls, her poems that gave us a glimpse into her heart, her novels that she dedicated her life to fulfilling, and through all of those she taught throughout her lifetime. Emma was born in Acayucan, Veracrúz, México (*In 1917 as records recently found show was her actual birth year) to Inés Salmones-Gutierrez, of Sevilla in Spain. Her mother died from contracting the Spanish Influenza 3 months after giving birth to her. She was taken to her mother's closest relatives to be raised by them. Her father, Jesús González Lugo (1894-1965) was a very powerful and influential man. He was the General Brigadier of the Federal Army and Sub Secretary of Defense in Mexico. He became the Governor of the State of Colima, Mexico in 1949 until 1955. He remarried for the third time and Emma was separated from her mother's family and never saw or heard from them again. She had one brother from the same parents, Jorge Gonzalez-Salmones, who died at the age of 12 from a gangrenous tooth and a half-brother from her father's second marriage, Dr Jesus Gonzáles Lugo Price (1926-2006). At the age of 6, Emma was put in a convent in Mexico City to be educated, where she remained implanted for fifteen years. She expressed with much emotion, the commitment and life she led in the convent. Some of her stories have left a great impact in many of us. Emma worked hard at the convent, obtaining first place in her class throughout the fifteen years (A trait that resembled her strength, dedication and discipline throughout her life.) She graduated from the convent at the age of 21 as a teacher and was married four years later to Cristóbal Galván Palafox, whom she lovingly called "Chris." Together they had three children: "Luly," "Pepe" and "Emmita." Emma obtained the "Certificate of Proficiency" through the University of Cambridge. She continued her studies at the Colegio Montferrant in Culiacán. From that point forward, Emma taught in both Spanish and English, and she made sure (especially her children and grandchildren) that her students spoke and wrote in both correctly. Spanglish was unacceptable. Emma started teaching in Mazatlán at some of the most important schools and universities i.e.: I.C.O. (Instituto Cultural de Occidente), La Preparatoria Mazatlán, El Colegio Pacífico, El Colegio Remington, and El Liceo. She also gave private lessons to many of the prominent families in Mazatlán as well as to the executives of the petroleum refineries of Mexico such as Pemex in Mexico City. Emma moved to the United States in the late 50's to be closer to her daughter "Luly," and in 1980 she moved to Oregon with her daughters. Once in Oregon, she got her certifications as a Federal Legal Interpreter and Official Medical Interpreter. Emma worked at O.H.S.U. (Oregon Health Sciences University) for many years as well as at I.R.C.O. (Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization). Emma lived independently in her downtown Portland apartment where she lived happily from 1995 until 2012. Many of her paintings are from the view of her windows, moments in time, captured by her watercolor, pen and ink. Her first painting lesson she received from her aunt, Herlinda Covantes when she was a little girl. In 1981 she retook painting and started her first watercolor class. She was awarded a scholarship from the Art Institute of Portland. Emma was painting up until a month before her death. One of Emma's most important accomplishments was the publication of her novel: "La Esmeralda" (1997) to which she would later publish a second edition of: "The Fifth Well" (2006). She also wrote many poems. In 1954 Emma won first place in the National Poem Contest of Mexico with a poem she dedicated to her mother "Madre." Emma's life was shaped by her devotion to her family and her belief that one should never stop learning. Her inner strength and her willingness to strive beyond the expected is what made her the person we all will admire, appreciate and cherish forever. Emma is survived by her children: Lourdes "Galván" MacPharlaine, Jose Antonio Galván, Emma "Galván" MacKintosh/ her grandchildren: Edward Gutowski II, Alex Gutowki, Erika Galván, Iliana Galván, Jose Antonio Galván Salas, Déborah Espinosa de los Monteros Galván/ and great-grandchildren: Edward Gutowski III, Isabella Gutowski, Samantha Cerisola Galván, Isabella Cerisola Galván, Victoria Cerisola Galván, Emiliano Galván Espinosa de los Monteros, Ivana Ibargüen Galván and Daniel Ibargüen Galván. A memorial service will be held at the Little Chapel of the Chimes 11667 SE Stevens Rd., Happy Valley, OR 97086 #503-659-1184 on July 14, 2012 at 11:30a.m. A reception will follow at the Milwaukie Center 5440 SE Kellogg Creek Dr., Milwaukie, OR 97222 #503-653-8100. Service Information