Cora (Loredo) Jimenez
Socorro (Cora), 98, slept peacefully through the night of thunder, lightning and downpours, until the heavens announced they were ready for her with the most beautiful rainbow amidst clear blue skies on the morning of October 22, 2026. Some things you just canʼt plan—or at least, we couldn’t!
We, her family, were all so blessed to have her in our lives for as long as we did. Our mother was beautiful in every way: kind, generous, loving, and inspiring. She always maintained a positive attitude and was full of encouragement for everyone she met. “You can do it!” was not just something she said—she truly believed it. She was always smiling and loved to laugh. Cute, witty, and sassy were words often used to describe her personality, yet her greatest pride and joy was her family.
Cora was born in Santa Barbara to Hijinia (Palato) Loredo and Jose Loredo. She was the 5th of 10 children and the last surviving member of her Loredo family. Proud to call Santa Barbara home, she spent her childhood roaming free in the foothills at the top of Cieneguitas Road, where her family lived in the ranch house. Cora recalled those years as the happiest of her life—a time when she was young and free. Following her father’s passing, the family moved to their home on San Andres Street. She attended Dolores Catholic School and Santa Barbara High School.
Cora was preceded in death by her husband, Braulio (Lalo) Jimenez; her parents, Hijinia and Jose Loredo; her six brothers: Manuel, Cyril, Fred, Michael, Martin, and Albert Loredo; and her three sisters: Mary Berumen, Blanche Escoto, and Dolores Ayala.
Cora worked many years for the City of Santa Barbara, where she eventually retired. During her retirement, she volunteered at San Roque Catholic Church, where she had been a parishioner since the 1960s—first helping in the office and later serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Her hobbies included knitting, crocheting, and sewing. All of her children and grandchildren received special handmade blankets, which remain cherished keepsakes. With much encouragement, persistence, and patience, she eventually taught her daughter Carol to knit and crochet, and they spent many wonderful years working on projects together. Physical fitness was a priority throughout her life, and Cora could often be found at the gym after work and well into her retirement years. She possessed an incredible work ethic in both her professional and personal life. Later in life she enjoyed the many car rides with her daughter Vivian through Hope Ranch, ending up at Hendry’s Beach where they sat watching all the people and puppies playing.
Cora met the love of her life, Braulio Jimenez, while attending dances in Santa Barbara during the Big Band era. They were married on July 16, 1950, and shared 64 happy years together until his passing in 2014. He was the brawn to her beauty; whatever she envisioned, he was right there to help accomplish. Together, there was nothing they couldn’t achieve—they were a true “can-do” power couple.
Cora is survived by her three daughters: Vivian, Carol (Tony Riparetti), and Dorothy; six grandchildren: Nick Barnett, Taylor Barnett (Allison), Iliana Coleman, Ceira Christensen (Ian Christensen), Joseph Doss, and Daniel Turner; four great-grandchildren: Hazel Barnett, Parker Barnett, Jaxon Christensen, and Lily Christensen; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
A special, heartfelt thank you to Efi Robles, who was constantly by her side—dedicating herself to feeding, laughing with, singing to, and loving Cora in every way. We also extend our gratitude to her hospice provider VNA Health, particularly her nurse, Laura Guerrero. VNA and Laura were always available for our questions and concerns at any time of the day or night; we are forever grateful for their guidance, calm demeanor, and supportive assistance in helping our mom remain at home with comfort and dignity. Additionally, thank you to her lifelong physician, Dr. William C. Koonce, and his staff, who tenderly watched over her and ushered her through to her 98 years.
There will be a Funeral Mass on Thursday, November 12th at 10:30 a.m. at San Roque Catholic Church, 325 Argonne Circle, Santa Barbara, CA.
Reception to follow directly after the service, with details provided at the church.
In Lieu of Flowers: Please consider a memorial contribution to VNA Health, 509 E. Montecito St., Suite 200, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
