A John Day woman was among dozens of elderly Hispanic citizens throughout the state of Oregon who were feted at Hispanic Heritage Day, held Sept. 26 at the state capitol in Salem.

Balbina Escudero of John Day was one of 60 Spanish-speaking senior citizens – and the only nominee from all of Eastern Oregon – to receive the honor.

Escudero, her husband, John, and their two sons, moved from Spain in 1958 to Bates, where John worked in the logging industry. When the Bates mill closed, the family moved to John Day.

Despite being a widow for nearly 20 years, Escudero maintains an active lifestyle. The young-at-heart 87-year-old has traveled abroad to several countries, walks two miles daily through the streets of John Day, and worked at Dreamers Motel in John Day until she was 80.

Active in the Grant County Mad Hatters and a member of St. Elizabeth Church, she enjoys her home, gardening, and her family, which includes her two sons and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Each of the honored Hispanic residents received a certificate expressing gratitude and appreciation for their “tireless efforts in laying roots in the State of Oregon.”

The Sept. 26 family celebration included entertainment, exhibits, games and speakers highlighting Hispanic culture and contributions in Oregon.