Our beautiful mother Isabel Socorro (Jimenez) Moreno was called to Heaven at the age of 94.

Isabel was born in Santa Paula, California, on Nov. 19, 1929, and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Aug. 17, 2024. 

Isabel grew up in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and moved to Santa Barbara in 1947 at the age of 18.

Isabel worked at the Lemon Packing House in Goleta. She became a stay-at-home mom after marrying Elias Arumbula Moreno on August 21, 1948. They had been married 70 years.

Together, they had eight kids, Peter (deceased Jan. 26, 2022), Joey, David, Mario, Linda Spann (deceased Oct. 23, 2000), Tony, Patricia and Isabel Venegas.

Isabel raised her large family with so much love and joy. The house was always full of laughter and kids. Mom played games with us, and always danced when a brother would play his ’60s music.

Because Mom was a fantastic cook, there were times a neighborhood kid or two would make sure they were at our table at dinner time. With all her kids, an extra mouth to feed was no problem.

She would walk us to a nearby beach with watermelon, sandwiches and drinks in hand so we could swim during hot summer days.

Mom took on part-time jobs to help with bills and extras. We were never without, and growing up we knew we were loved.

As her family grew, Mom’s love spread to her grandchildren. Her greatest joy was spending time with them and seeing them grow into successful individuals. Her wisdom and love influenced their lives in so many ways.   

Mom had a green thumb that was magical. She could take a snippet of any plant and make it grow.

She enjoyed raising canaries and knitting blankets for the family. She also enjoyed traveling and had visited Egypt, Morocco, Israel and Mexico.

She played bingo at Elks lodge, and exercised at St. Vincent’s pool.

Mom will be sorely missed. She gave us unconditional love, strength of spirit, and an unending generosity that could be seen in her care for her family and friends.

Isabel is survived by six of her eight children, 25 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She is the last of the Librada and Elias Jimenez family.

Our hearts are aching for her.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna St.