She was born in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur. As an accomplished educator and devoted advocate for the “San Luqueña “culture, she has significantly impacted the Los Cabos community. Beyond her professional achievements, she is also the niece of the renowned teacher Amelia Wilkes Ceseña, a celebrated educator in her own right.
Faustina cherishes stories, anecdotes, and experiences that witnessed the evolution of Cabo San Lucas. The town transformed from a small fishing village with around 40 families consisting of fishermen and fish packers to a world-renowned tourist destination.
Her childhood activities, especially her love of dancing, take the teacher back in time. Fondly, she also recalls the activities she participated in with her aunts, including Aunt Melucha, who was affectionately called “Amelia.”
It’s truly remarkable how she has captured the essence of the community of Cabo San Lucas in her handwritten book, El Cabo San Lucas que yo conocí. Her incredible memory allowed her to recall every detail, from the stories of her parents, uncles, and friends to the characters that gave life to Cabo San Lucas. The book is filled with anecdotes, places, characters, boats, fish, smells, mischief, and adventures that will leave you feeling nostalgic. The stories are so vivid that you can almost smell the salty air and feel the sand between your toes. You can sense her passion for the community from every page of the book. It’s a treasure trove of information that will leave you feeling connected to the community of Cabo San Lucas.
The professor is highly regarded for her tireless efforts in disseminating and preserving the history of Los Cabos. She is also considered an expert historian of the municipality of Los Cabos. Some of the notable recognitions she has received include the award for disseminating and preserving history from the Sala de Lectura Hermanita de Ysabela, Yenekamú, A.C., and Café Cabo, in collaboration with the Instituto Sudcaliforniano de Cultura.
Through her tireless efforts, María Faustina Wilkes Ritchie has become a beloved and respected figure in the community. Inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and positively impact the world around them. In the future, “Profe. Fanta”, as the local community affectionately calls her, aims to continue preserving and promoting her cultural heritage through various formats.
