Corn Mothers

PHILOSOPHY

As a nontraditional college student raising children, I experienced invaluable support, mentorship, and a nurturing community throughout my educational journey. In return, I aim to recreate that experience for others in many areas. Advocacy for marginalized groups is my passion. My early life was shaped by strong family values, community support, and the love of learning encouraged by my mother, Maria Presedes, a woman who was both empathetic and committed to helping others. My siblings and I honor her legacy by actively participating in community projects. We support initiatives involving housing, scholarships, education, civil rights, veterans’ benefits, and fundraising for domestic violence shelters. We also lead philanthropic efforts that make a meaningful impact. These initiatives address urgent needs, foster a supportive culture, improve people’s lives, and contribute positively to our community.

In pursuing these goals, my husband Joe and I were active members of the American G.I. Forum and LULAC, where I chaired the women’s group. My community involvement has included serving on boards and holding leadership positions with Hispanic Women of Weld County, where I served twice as president; Habitat for Humanity’s board and selection committee; A Woman’s Place and Friends of A Woman’s Place, which support survivors of domestic violence; and the Greeley Dream Team, which mentors and empowers diverse and first-generation students as they transition to college and become tomorrow’s leaders. I currently serve as the Dream Team’s vice president. I also serve as treasurer and as a member of the oral history committee for the Mexican American History Project Greeley, which provides resources highlighting the history and contributions of Mexican Americans to Greeley’s success. My other service includes the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission, which guides the celebration of America’s 250th and Colorado’s 150th anniversaries; the Judicial Performance Commission, which evaluates the professional performance of Colorado judges; and Volunteers Enriching Weld, which supports philanthropic programs that provide school uniforms and blankets and award annual scholarships to single parents. My service, perseverance, and advocacy have earned recognition from Leaders to Follow, Greeley Tribune Unsung Heroes, the Hispanic Women of Weld County Impact Award, the Outstanding Women of Weld County Education Award, and the CLLARO Community Service Award.

Maria Presedes Vigil Martinez,
My Mom and Corn Mother

(Also Called “Percy” for “Presedes”)

I was born in Walsenburg, Colorado, in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The town was initially known as La Plaza de los Leones (The Plaza of the Lions).

My mother, Maria Presedes (Percy) Vigil Martinez, was born in North La Veta, 25 miles west of Walsenburg, in 1923, and was one of the youngest of nine children. After living in New Mexico for many generations, my mom’s maternal grandparents migrated to North La Veta in the mid-1800s from Ojo Caliente, New Mexico, in Taos County. Her paternal grandparents lived in Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico, for many generations. They migrated to San Luis, Colorado, and later settled in North La Veta. My great-great-grandfather was Native American.

My earliest memories are of our small home, with its kitchen, a bedroom, and a small living room. Each morning, I’d wake up to the smell of fresh tortillas and a warm bowl of atole, a creamy drink made of blue cornmeal, spices, and milk or water. It was one of my mom’s ways of conveying her love for us. My mom loved playing Mexican music on a small cabinet radio. My sister Pat and I twirled until we were dizzy. The girls slept inside the house, and boys slept in the little casita outside, with an outhouse behind it.

I am the youngest of seven siblings: three boys and four girls. My educational journey began in Walsenburg. I attended St. Mary Catholic School in first and second grade, where I received my first Holy Communion, and was excited to walk to school with two of my siblings. My mother always made sure that we did our homework, worked hard to excel in our studies, and praised us for our academic achievements. Having missed out on a good education herself, she was determined we should have the opportunities she never had.

Mom and Dad tried to protect us from a painful experience in their own childhoods. As part of the dominant society’s effort to force Latinos to assimilate, they had been punished for speaking Spanish at school. They spoke English with us to spare us the same treatment and spoke Spanish with each other. Gradually, we began to understand their conversations and developed a foundation in our Spanish language.

My sister Millie, the third-oldest child, developed juvenile diabetes. I remember my dad carrying her to the hospital while my mom, sister, and I followed closely behind. Unfortunately, my sister never returned home. She died one day before her thirteenth birthday. My mother tried to spare her other children by concealing the immense pain she carried. It wasn’t until I had my own children that I understood the magnitude of the grief she had silently endured while trying to protect us.

After Millie’s death, we spent less time with my dad, who often disappeared. His drinking increased, and he became abusive toward my mother, which she endured for as long as she could. Years later, when I was in 8th grade, my father left for good. However, my mom was strong, and she worked diligently to support the four remaining children in every way. My two eldest siblings were married and starting families of their own. Despite having little, she made sure we were clean and neatly groomed. My sister Pat and I wore gently used clothing passed down from a cousin. To keep our spirits up, Mom said things like “We may be poor, but we’re not dirty.”

Religion was a cornerstone of our lives. My mother was a very faithful Catholic, and her faith played an important role in our lives. If she couldn’t drive, we walked to church. My mother was adamant that we attend catechism and complete our sacraments. She supported us every day in doing those things.

My mother always supported our education and encouraged us to do our best. Although she had only an eighth-grade education, she was wise, intelligent, and able to handle any obstacle life placed before her. I know she would have been proud that, after my husband Joe passed away following 21 years of marriage, I began my educational journey as a nontraditional student at Aims Community College. For the first time, I had supportive professors who motivated me to thrive. I took courses that illuminated my culture and history and worked with relatable mentors who helped me understand my heritage. I discovered my ancestors’ histories for the first time. These educators opened a new realm of knowledge, acceptance, and self-worth.

I was eager to share this understanding with my own children and my students, so that they also could feel pride and confidence, just as my mom had tried to do for me. Thanks to financial aid and my academic achievements, I graduated debt-free. I received the Provost/President’s Honor Diversity Award and the Dean’s Academic Achievement of Latino Students Award.

My sole regret is that my mom wasn’t able to experience the happiness of this incredible learning journey along with my children and me. She herself attended school only until the eighth grade, marrying my father at the age of sixteen, so she always dreamed of giving us children the opportunity for a quality education.

We learned the value of hard work from our mom. We saw her become confident, independent, and a survivor. She was smart, generous, and always willing to lend a helping hand to others. She enjoyed arts and crafts, especially embroidering and crocheting, and loved playing bingo. She was also an incredible cook. She used to say, “If you have beans, you have a meal.” Her sense of humor was fantastic, and we always had such a great time when she was around. In her presence, we felt secure. Her children could never be weak. We learned from the best. She is my role model, someone I aspire to emulate. My mother took great pride in her children. We all grew up to be talented, successful, and generous individuals like our mom. She cherished spending time with her sixteen grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Sadly, her time with them was much too short. Her legacy lives on within all of us. I am so grateful for her example!

My mom helped me in so many ways. She had a little red Chevy Luv truck. When we lived in Colorado Springs, she drove almost 100 miles from Rocky Ford to visit Joe (with whom she had a close relationship) and me. She was there when each of our children was born and stayed awhile to support and lend a helping hand. When we lived in Wyoming, she braved a lengthy journey by herself to attend our eldest daughter’s eighth-grade graduation. She was so proud that her grandchildren were experiencing educational excellence.

I lost my beloved mother four years prior to Joe’s passing, and I think of her frequently. When Joe died, I felt utterly devastated. I remembered my mom and how she held our family together with her limited resources, never feeling sorry for herself. She inspired me to be strong, resilient, and to make the best choices for my family. My mother, “Percy,” was the epitome of a true Corn Mother.

Butterflies were my mom’s favorite. For her, butterflies symbolized transformation. Whenever we see a butterfly, it reminds us she is still with us in spirit, bringing us comfort and a feeling that her spirit is near.

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