Chicano Community Honors One of Its Own

Laura Castañeda
July 21, 2026

 

Hundreds of mourners filled the pews at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church on June 19 to honor the memory of Nadine Baca, 75. Baca is the wife of Chicano activist Herman Baca.

The couple was married in 1974 after meeting at San Diego State University. They were a driving force in San Diego, organizing and participating in protest marches in the 1970s and 80s.

Nadine died suddenly following an illness.

Herman Baca eulogized his wife, recalling how she dedicated herself to family and community.

People called her kind, generous, loyal, and admired her dedication to the Chicano movement.

Following the mass, community members gathered at Centro Cultural de La Raza to celebrate her life.

Nadine Baca leaves behind her husband, Herman, two adult children, Andres and Sara, and one grandchild, Mia. She also raised two other children, now deceased, Mark and Adrian.