Zoraida & Eulogio Ortega

DAUGHTER OF THE DESERT

Honored May, 1999

Zoraida G. & Eulogio Ortega

Zoraida and Eulogio Ortega spent nearly 60 combined years in the education field. Zoraida taught at Velarde Elementary School, and Eulogio served as Dixon Elementary's principal. They retired in 1975, but for the couple, retirement merely signified the beginning of a new chapter in life.

Their love and talent for art flourished during this time. In the early 1980s, Zoraida became ill and promised Our Lady of Guadalupe that if she got well she would build a chapel in her honor. Her wish was granted, and soon after that, the chapel became a reality.

Today, people come from all over to visit the shrine, which is filled with hand carvings of saints, made by Eulogio, and weavings, courtesy of Zoraida. The two, who have been married for 56 years, were surprised to learn that they were the newest additions to the Living Treasures family.