M. Luisa Axie

M. Luisa Axie, who resided in Aromas, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the age of 90.

Luisa was born on April 25, 1935, in Jalisco, Mexico, to her mother, Maria Cerda Pizano. She came to the US as a young woman in 1973 and settled in Aromas, where she remained until her passing.

She was not afraid of hard work and began working in farm labor. In time, she started working as a line worker at Watsonville Cannery. Eventually, she was promoted to Quality Control, a position she held for the rest of her 30-year career, until her retirement at the age of 65. Luisa was very proud of her active role in the now historic Watsonville Cannery Union Strike of 1985-1987.

To say that she was an avid gardener was to put it mildly. Luisa truly loved working in her huge garden, tending to a full acre of plants, flowers, and trees on her own, and took pride in the appearance of her yard. Not a weed or a snail made it past her. She was still climbing trees at the age of 87! She could often be seen outside, in her favorite green jacket, mowing the lawn, sweeping, planting, weeding, and snail-killing.

But even more than from her garden, her greatest joy came from her beloved family, especially her children, grand, and great-grandchildren. She always wanted to have her family nearby. Luisa's kind, caring, and generous personality made her loved by all who knew her. Luisa was very welcoming to all who came to her home and was always feeding everyone, family, friends, and strangers alike. She will be missed deeply by her loving family and friends.

Luisa is survived by her children, Sandra Tooley, Orlando (Lynn), Steven, and Michelle Axie. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Amy Sapp, Kimberly Axie-Ramos, Brian Axie, and Alexis and Ashley Durden; her great-grandchildren, Mason Axie-Ramos, Ryan, Luke, and Zach Axie; as well as her sister, Eva C. Flores. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Baldo Barney Axie.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, at Mehl's Colonial Chapel – 222 E. Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076.

Published in The Pajaronian · November 12, 2025