Lorraine Taylor
1942-2025
Lorraine Taylor passed away peacefully on the morning of August 16, 2025. A lifelong resident of the central coast, she was a proud descendant of Californian Pioneer Benjamin Foxen and loved to share her family’s local history.
Lorraine’s elementary years were spent at Cachuma Lake, where her father served as the first Park Ranger. She loved to recount her adventurous upbringing at Cachuma Lake—learning to drive stick shift at just nine years old and having a pet deer were some of her many childhood memories.
In 1956, her family moved to Ojai, where her father was hired as the Resort Supervisor at Wheeler’s Hot Springs. While attending Nordhoff High School, Lorraine met her future husband, Jimmy Taylor. As the story goes, Lorraine and some friends were in an orange grove when she spotted Jimmy and another boy in the distance. She grabbed an orange and threw it, hitting Jimmy on the head, from then on, they only had eyes for each other. In her senior year, she was proud to receive the Gracie Hay’s Award for Best Female Athlete.
After Lorraine and Jimmy graduated in 1960, Jimmy joined the U.S. Army. While stationed in Georgia, he called Lorraine’s father to ask for her hand in marriage. They were married in October 1961, and after honeymooning in Santa Barbara, they relocated to Germany, where Jimmy was stationed for two years returning to the U.S. in 1963, They ended up in Santa Barbara in 1964 when Jimmy was hired by the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department.
Their family grew quickly, and by 1966, they had welcomed four sons and one daughter in just three and a half years, with the youngest being twin boys. Life was full and busy with five young children and while Jimmy worked the graveyard shift. Lorraine was especially grateful for the love and support of their neighbors, the Ciluagas, who became family.
Once the twins started kindergarten, Lorraine began working for The Bus Company as a driver—proudly referring to herself as a “double-clutching momma.” She drove for nine years before retiring due to a back injury.
Throughout her life, Lorraine was active in her community and formed deep bonds through various organizations she held dear. To name a few: the St. Raphael’s Women’s Auxiliary (1970s), the Goleta Beach Spew Crew, along with the BAGS, Ladies of Charity at St. Vincent’s, and Ladies of the Blue Van. These women celebrated life with love, laughter and vigor.
Becoming a grandmother brought Lorraine her greatest joy. The Goleta Beach Spew Crew lovingly gave her the nickname “Grandma LALA,” which suited her perfectly and all grandkids referred to her as this. She played an active role in her grandchildren’s lives, always ready to babysit, drive carpool, chaperone field trips, and cheer at every event. She especially loved planning family outings with her grandchildren, whether it was a sunny beach day or a snowy weekend in Big Bear.
Lorraine loved being out and about in town, visiting friends and bringing along her famous peanut clusters to lift their spirits with a sweet treat. When she saw her friends while running errands, she would always let them know they were “number one.” All who knew Lorraine looked forward to Christmas—not for the presents, but to see what creative idea she had come up with for her legendary Christmas card.
Lorraine is survived by her husband of 64 years, Jimmy Taylor; her sister, Jolene Ledwith; her children, John (Muriel), Mark, Jennifer (Santos), Tim, and Tom (Christine); ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, with a seventh expected in October. Plus, many cousins, nephews and nieces that she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carlos and Cecilia Getman, and her brother, Howard Getman.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Villa Alamar for the comfort and care provided in Lorraine’s final months, along with VNA Health and physicians Dr. Richard Ponce, Dr. Daniel Berger, and Dr. Michael Bordofsky.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to VNA Health Santa Barbara or Ladies of Charity at St. Vincent’s Santa Barbara.
Rosary: Wednesday Sept. 24 at 7:00 p.m. San Roque Catholic Church
Funeral Mass: Thursday Sept. 25 at 10:30 a.m. San Roque Catholic Church 325 Argonne Cir., Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Reception to follow (location will be announced at the service)
