Carmelita Cordero, a resident of Santa Maria, passed away peacefully in her home on June 25, 2025, after an exceedingly brief but valiant battle with cancer. She was 80 years old.

She was born in Santa Barbara on March 29, 1945, to Frank Valencia and Mary Aguirre Valencia.

The youngest of seven siblings, Carmelita grew up in Santa Barbara, attended local schools, and graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1963.

Carmelita fiercely loved her sons, grandchildren, extended family, and her Chumash Tribal community.

She was a fashionista who loved to shop and dress in style. She loved to dance and to laugh. She also loved her cats, to garden, and she loved listening to Al Green.

Everyone who knew Carmelita well talks about her honesty, her delicious cooking, and her family gatherings. She introduced many people to the Cadillac margarita.

She had no filters and was known to tell it like she saw it.

Carmelita was an enrolled member of the Santa Ynez Chumash Tribe, where she donated many hours serving on the Elders Committee. As a part of that committee, she advised on ancestor repatriation, land rights, and more recently on the completion of the Santa Ynez Chumash Museum and Cultural Center.

Carmelita is survived by her children Michael (Jana) and Albert (Kim); grandchildren Albert II and Valentina; brothers David Dominguez, Richard Valencia and Alex Valencia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Barbara Holguin, and her brothers Manuel and Robert Dominguez.

Carmelita’s legacy of love and laughter, as well as her generosity and realness, will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was our family matriarch, as well as a respected member within the tribal community. Her passing has left a huge void in all of our lives.

A rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 2 at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary, 1003 E. Stowell Road, Santa Maria. There will be a family viewing from 4-5 p.m., followed by a public viewing at 5 p.m. at the mortuary on that date.

There will be a Mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 3 at St. Louis de Montfort Church, 1190 E. Clark, Santa Maria, followed by a burial service at Santa Maria Cemetery, 1501 S. College Drive.

Funeral services will be livestreamed at sldm.org. All ladies in attendance are requested to wear a hat in honor of Carmelita’s memory.