You were born in Illinois and grew up in Mexico and started your family there. How did you end up in Cleveland?
My father came to the United States because of the Mexican Revolution in 1909. He came to Cleveland to work on the railroads in the early 1930s. My mother took my two brothers, one sister and I back to Mexico when I was three years old. My one brother has since died; the others still live down there.

My husband and I lived in Mexico City. I was a mother to 11 children, which I consider to be my first career. After my husband died, I tried keeping up his leather shoe business. But it was hard to be taken seriously as a woman business owner there. My father was living up here and suggested I move. He said, "After all, you're a U.S. citizen." So, in 1968, my children and I came up here. I've had relatives in Independence, Ohio, since the 1920s.

Why did you decide to open a restaurant at age 62?
My three youngest children were already in college. I had been working on the cleaning crew at the Cleveland Psychiatric Institute (CPI). I was too young to retire, and I didn't have to worry about young kids at home anymore. I've always loved cooking. I loved making food for my kids' friends when they'd come over. There were other Mexican restaurants, but people who knew of my cooking told me what the city really needed was an authentic Mexican restaurant.

I saw this bar that changed hands a lot on the corner of Governor and W. 117th. It was kind of a rough area-a lot of motorcycle bikers and fighting. I decided that's where I wanted my restaurant to be. When I opened it up, two biker brothers said to me, "Mama Luchita, if anybody gives you a hard time, you tell us about it." But I've never had a problem.

Do you still think you're too young to retire?
Yes. I still feel there's a lot more for me to do. In Spanish, it's called "ganas." There really isn't a direct English translation for it, but it means something along the lines of "oomph," or energy. I feel like I still have a lot of that.

What do you do to stay young?
I work-work makes me happy. Anybody can drop in on me at home in the morning before I come here, and I'll cook breakfast for them. When I get here, I make a list of what's to be featured that day. I don't like food to sit around. It has to be fresh, so I make sure I make broth and cook chicken for soup for the lunch crowd. Then I make it fresh for the dinner crowd. The food must always be fresh. It keeps me very busy.

What would you say is your philosophy on life?
I'd have to say it is: the best way to teach is by example. You can't do it with words. Do what you love, and do it honestly. The legacy will spread to your children and grandchildren. My mother just passed away last year at age 104. She had the same attitude of "just keep going."

What would you say to someone who was afraid of aging?
I'd tell them to see what's around him or her and try to overcome whatever difficulty he or she is experiencing. It's o.k. to be afraid. But see what makes you happy. My children are my inspiration.

My youngest, Rey, is the head chef here. He has brought a modern twist to the more traditional, staple Mexican cuisine I still cook. Our restaurant has become nationally recognized because of the dishes he's created. He teaches and lectures on the history of Mexican food at local cooking schools. He's a very creative chef; he changes the menu every four months. He and I visit Mexico about twice a year to get new ideas. He goes into the kitchens of restaurants down there, and the cooks are happy to show him how they make certain dishes.

Rey has the same passion for cooking as I do. Even though he's the youngest, he would cook for the other kids when I was working two jobs. Three of my other children are involved in my restaurants, but all of my children come in and help when they drop in.

Luchita's has three locations, all located in Cleveland:

• 3456 West 117th Street (west side)
• 1228 Euclid Avenue (downtown)
• Luchita's on the Square at 13112 Shaker Square (east side).