Alexandra Firos Morelli
Alexandra Firos Morelli passed away peacefully at her Santa Barbara home on June 18, 2020 with her daughters by her side. She had a rich and full life with husband Martin (Moe), 10 children, 18 grandchildren, 23 Great grandchildren and 5 Great, great grandchildren. Alex was born in Santa Barbara, CA on August 20, 1921, the daughter of Greek and Spanish immigrants, John & Lola Firos.
The love of family and her country were very important to Alex. During WWII, she would drive down to Burbank and worked at Lockheed as a Rosie the Riveter. Any opportunity she had to contribute to a good cause or speak up for what is right, she was not afraid to be heard. She continued that patriotic devotion throughout her life as she crocheted hundreds of colorful beanies and blankets for the local Veterans and the VA Hospital in Los Angeles.
Alex loved children, she crocheted blankets for each newborn and prayed over each one she made. The blankets’ bright colors were an expression of her passion and love for her beloved family. She never forgot her family’s birthday and sent her birthday greeting off in her famous green ink.
Alex was an avid gardener and could spend hours in her front yard tending to her plants. The walkway to her door was lined with an array of gorgeous plants ranging from roses to succulents. Alex had a green thumb, but it was not just with plants. She grew a family filled with traditions and many celebrations. Her Fiesta Party was an annual event which grew each year to include new friends and lots of families. The sound of mariachi music, the smell of BBQ, and the laughter of friends and family and after visiting once, you were family. We know that Heaven must be enjoying a Fiesta Party since Alex’s arrival.
Alex loved culture and travel. She traveled with her husband, Moe extensively to Italy, Spain, the South Pacific Island of Tonga Tapu (where Moe was stationed during WW11), Australia to family and Mexico, to name a few. They even attend the Seattle World’s Fair in their early days. It is incredible to think that she accomplished so much, went to so many places, and touched so many lives, and she was only 16! (her running joke)
Alex and her late husband Moe raised a family packed with traditions, devotion, and love. Alex, or “Mom” to most, always made everyone feel like family. Every gathering was filled with large groups of family & friends that would always begin with a greeting consisting of a hug and never a handshake. Special people adopted into the family include “The Squirrels”, the families of Martins WWII buddies, plenty more came to calling them Mom and Dad and they were loved unconditionally. That is the kind of love they had and taught us all.
Alex was blessed as all of her children were always there to care for her during her last few years. A special thank you to Sharon & Jeana (Babydoll) who live at the house to help her with daily needs along with Fr. Dan Lackie from the St. Barbara Mission and all the team at Trusted Hospice.
Although she will be dearly missed, her family takes comfort in knowing Alex is reunited with her pre-deceased husband Moe, sister, Irene, brother, Deamer,, sons Steve, Gilbert, Gino, Alex, Roger, daughters Chris & Carol and grandsons Jason, Marlon & Steven, granddaughter Kirsten Johnson. Alex was laid to rest next to Martin at Carpentaria Cemetery.
A Celebration of her life is planned for her 100 birthday August of 2021.