On Jan. 31, 2023, our beloved Pauline Molina, also known as “Mommy” to her family and friends, passed on to our creator’s loving grace at the age of 79.

Pauline was born a fraternal twin on April 18, 1943, having entered this world with her brother Paul. She was one of 10 siblings raised by her parents Joseph G. Molina and his wife Della P. Molina (nee Robles).

Pauline grew up in the most rural of Santa Barbara settings — the countryside wilds of Isla Vista.

A Native American Chumash Indian, Pauline hailed from the tribe whose ancestors built the Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara missions. She was very proud of her Native American heritage and enjoyed partaking in the annual Santa Barbara Fiesta Parade as a participant and attendee.

During her life Pauline worked in many jobs, most notably as a quality control technician at Applied Magnetics in Goleta, and as a dealer for table games, selling bingo cards and working the concerts and events at the Chumash Casino.

She also worked at Penta Labs and ConMed Corporation in various capacities, as well as Goleta Lemons as a packer.

Among her fondest memories were picking walnuts with her family; her first car, a brand new 1965 Ford Mustang painted green (she loved tooling around Santa Barbara in that car); playing softball in the local leagues; and rooting for her Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Reds — being a true fan of football was a definite passion.

Family togetherness was paramount, and she enjoyed many barbecues, volleyball games at the Chase Palm Park beach, and picnics at Tucker’s Grove Park. Pauline loved playing bingo and the good friends she made at the local bingo halls.

Pauline was a 1962 graduate of Santa Barbara High School and attended classes at Santa Barbara City College. Throughout the years, she enjoyed helping organize reunion lunches with her Lady Dons for the 1962 class. “Once a Don, always a Don.”

Pauline is survived by brothers Joseph Molina of Lancaster, California, Carlos Molina of Carlsbad, California, Reginald Molina of Santa Barbara, Paul Molina of Acton, California, and James Molina of Cottonwood, Arizona; her sister Rita Molina of Santa Barbara; and her many nieces and nephews.

Pauline’s sisters Cecelia Sykes and Gloria Lopez-Penal, and brother Ralph Molina predeceased her.

A Rosary Service will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11 at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 5444 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m., also at St. Raphael Catholic Church.

Graveside service following the Mass and a potluck lunch after the service in St. Raphael’s Catholic Church Hall.