7 minute read
The Mejia Family
Counting Their Bountiful Blessings
Resident Feature written by Sheila Turner-Hilliard
Thanks to Alpha Century Security of Newtown Square for sponsoring our Resident Feature.
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Francisco and Maria both grew up in Puebla, Mexico. Puebla, in east-central Mexico, is primarily an agricultural and industrial area along the Mexico City-Veracruz corridor. Maria grew up on a farm with her parents and 10 siblings. Remarkably, Francisco also has 10 siblings, with each of their families consisting of 5 boys and 6 girls.
Maria and Francisco met at church when they were 18 years old, though they didn’t start dating until they were 22.
When Maria first saw Francisco, she said she thought, “Oh wow, he is so handsome and charming!” The two began to get to know each other, and Maria learned that she and Francisco were both hard-working, loyal people who wanted to raise a family someday.
But their lives together wouldn’t begin for another six years. During that time, Francisco moved to the United States, to pursue a career as a baker. He followed his brother to Yonkers, New York, where there were plenty of jobs and a large Spanishspeaking population, which made the transition to a new country and culture easier.
Francisco and Maria kept their relationship alive by writing letters to each other. Then in 1991, Francisco returned to Puebla to marry Maria in the church where they first met. After the ceremony, the newlyweds bid farewell to their friends and family in Mexico and made the trip to New York, to start their family.
Life in New York was moving along nicely. Francisco was an accomplished baker, and he and Maria started having children. A few years later, Francisco learned that the bakery would close, so he began looking for other opportunities. His search brought him to our area, where he took a job baking for Carlino’s in Ardmore. With a growing family in tow, the Mejias packed their bags and found a home in Broomall.
By 2005, Maria and Francisco had four growing children. Francisco began a new job as a baker at Costco in King of Prussia, and they were ready to find their forever home.
They joined St. Anastasia Church, and Maria began working as a caregiver for neighborhood families. Maria feels that her work is incredibly satisfying because the families she has cared for over the years have become part of her family as well. “Francisco and I come from large families, but we always have room to welcome more!”
The oldest of the Mejia children is 29-year-old Francisco Jr. He is a graduate of Marple Newtown High School and West Chester University. He majored in International Business and works in sales for a FinTech (Financial Technology) company. In his spare time, Francisco Jr. is a classic car enthusiast. He regularly attends car shows and said his favorite car is the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R featured in the 2003 movie 2 Fast 2 Furious.
Francisco Jr. also enjoys working out at Ellis Athletic Center and traveling. His favorite destination is Costa Rica. “It’s such a beautiful place,” he said. “When I visit Costa Rica, I feel as though I am stepping inside a beautiful painting.”
The Mejia children (L-R): Kevin, Elisa, Francisco Jr. and Justin
Photo by MicDuff Photography, www.MicDuff.com
For 25-year-old Kevin Mejia, sports, travel and following in his older brother’s footsteps are important to him. Kevin is a 2014 graduate from Marple Newtown High School and currently studies Business Management at Delaware County Community College.
Kevin’s favorite place to visit is Miami, Florida. He said he enjoys the beaches, the food, the music and the infectious vibe of the city. He is a big fan of boxing but also loves watching football and playing basketball with his brothers.
The Mejia’s daughter, Elisa, is a 20-year-old Junior at Saint Joseph’s University. She graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School in 2019, and is now studying Business Marketing.
One of Elisa’s hobbies is painting with acrylics and oil. She also loves to work out with her mom at Planet Fitness and is an ardent Philadelphia Phillies fan.
Justin Mejia is the youngest of Francisco and Maria’s children. He is 17 years old and currently a Senior at Archbishop John Carroll High School. Although Justin isn’t quite ready to decide what he wants to study, he knows that he wants to attend either St. Joe’s or West Chester University. Most days, you’ll find Justin playing basketball in the driveway with his brothers or on the courts as a Power Forward for the Marple Newtown Basketball Association and the Catholic Youth Organization teams. The one activity he says he really enjoys is watching NFL RedZone with his brothers. “We are really into fantasy football,” he said.
The Mejia Family
The Mejias may have four kids, but the real star of the show is their 18-month-old pup, Blue. An Australian Shepherd and Siberian Husky mix, Blue has not only been a blessing to the family, but he has also become somewhat of a neighborhood celebrity.
Elisa said that Blue is very sweet, super smart and a little sassy. “He will charm you with his beautiful blue eyes,” she laughed. “Blue gave us a reason to get outside during the pandemic, and that kept us all active and allowed us to stay connected with our neighbors.” Maria said that her favorite hobby is being outdoors with Blue. She loves to take him on hikes and walks around all our area trails.
The Mejias are a family who likes to stay active, but they also really enjoy spending time relaxing with family and friends.
The kids all agree that Francisco’s garlic bread is his specialty but that his hamburgers are second to none. “Dad likes to experiment with recipes at home, and we’re more than happy to be his taste-testers,” joked Francisco Jr.
Settling into life in the United States has served the Mejias well, but they are quick to mention that they never forget where they came from. Celebrating their Mexican heritage is very important to the family.
Francisco and Maria Mejia
Photo by MicDuff Photography, www.MicDuff.com
They recently participated in Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). On November 1st and 2nd, they gathered to show their love and respect for family members who had passed away. This year, the family celebrated Maria’s father Samuel, Francisco’s father Francisco Sr. and Maria’s uncle Enfren. The family created an ofrenda (altar) where they placed photos, special foods, drinks, meaningful souvenirs, candles and marigold flowers. The altar is used as a place to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living and celebrate their lives.
Maria and Francisco are looking forward to the upcoming holiday season now that they can invite extended family into their home. Maria said they are planning to host Thanksgiving this month and welcome some of her and Francisco’s brothers and sisters who now live in the United States. They also hope to begin traveling again to Mexico.
Francisco, Maria and their four children are proud of their Mexican heritage and feel fortunate to have the freedom to celebrate where they came from and where they are now in our wonderful community. Thank you, Mejia Family, for sharing your story of hopes, dreams, hard work and family values. Your Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors wish you a very happy holiday season surrounded by family, friends and Francisco’s famous garlic bread!
Do you know a Newtown Square family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila Turner- Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com.
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