Maria Elvira Esperanza Granillo

Maria Elvira Esperanza Granillo, who went by Vera, passed away quietly at her daughter Virginia’s home in Highland on April 8th, 2025. Vera was born in Ottawa, Illinois on February 21st, 1930. Her father Baltezar Cervantez worked for the railroad, so Vera was raised in many cities following the railroad hubs from Illinois thru Texas to Arizona and finally settling in San Bernardino. She graduated from San Bernardino High School on June 10th, 1948. She was a very proud San Bernardino Cardinal. She attended all her class reunions, with the last one being held in the home of classmate George Gorian. Vera married Sylvester Ralph Granillo Jr. on July 24th, 1948, at St Mary’s Church in Redlands. She celebrated her 75th wedding anniversary in 2023 prior to the passing of her husband Ralph. She lived most of her adult life in Redlands keeping busy raising a family as well as being involved with the Lugonia School PTA and church activities. She was a wonderful cook and would critique many of the menu items at restaurants she frequented. Bishop Gerald R. Barns would often ask for her chili rellenos at various events because they were the best. She also enjoyed sewing and would often make matching holiday outfits for her three daughters. She would daily read her bible and pray for family members. In 1966, the family moved to Coronado for nineteen years, when her husband went to work for the Navy as Norton Air Force Base was shutting down. While there Vera enjoyed the ocean. She became queen of boogie boarders at central beach in Coronado and often fished for the fresh catch of the day off many of the piers in the San Diego area. She enjoyed the Concert in the Park Summer Series and the 4th of July Celebration every year with family and friends. After returning to Redlands, she was a long-term member of the Redlands YMCA where she enjoyed water aerobics and the monthly potluck for seniors. She was always being reminded by the men to not forget to bring the jello. Vera enjoyed traveling during her lifetime. The family made many road trips to Mexico City, Guadalajara, Acapulco, Zacatecas and points in between. She and Ralph also traveled several times to Hawaii, Florida, Washington DC, and the Pentagon. Later in life the Mexican Riviera Cruises over the New Year’s became a favorite holiday adventure. They especially loved the wide variety of food and listening to the mariachi music. She is survived by her two sons and three daughters, Sylvester R Granillo III (Marilyn) of Redlands, Genevieve Duncanson (Frank-dec.) of Whittier, Josephine Lish (Jim-dec.) of La Mesa, Virginia Hernandez (Smiley-dec.) of Highland, and Manny Granillo (Courtney) of Coronado. She has fourteen grandchildren, Sylvester R Granillo IV, Dr. Nathan Granillo, Kevin Granillo, Frank Duncanson V, Edward Duncanson, Valerie Mora, Judy Duncanson, Cynthia Martinez, Jeania Lish Byrne, Julia Willich, Terri Montgomery, Martin Hernandez, Hana Granillo, Kelly Granillo, and 23 great-grandchildren and another two on the way. She is also survived by three siblings, Mary Elias, Mickey Scott, Carmen Lara, and three sister-in-law’s, Mary Beltran, Maria Cervantez, and Connie Granillo. She is preceded in death by her husband, Sylvester Ralph Granillo Jr.; her father, Baltezar Cervantez; stepfather, Frank Beltran; mother, Josephine Beltran; brothers Chris Cervantez, Raul Cervantez, Frank Beltran Jr., sisters Connie Garcia, Josephine Buller, and Helen Selk. The family would also like to thank Leah Rivas and Long Life Hospice and their staff for all the love and care shown to Vera during the past four months.

Maria Elvira Esperanza Granillo

February 21, 1930 - April 8, 2025