Sally Villegas Espinosa, 90, passed away peacefully at her home on her birthday, June 7, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Sally was born in Santa Barbara on June 7, 1929, to Benito and Rosita Villegas who raised her and her 16 siblings.

Sally attended local schools including Harding Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High School and Santa Barbara High School. In 1960, Sally met the love of her life Santos H. Espinosa, and they married in September of 1969.

Together, they raised 11 children. In 1981, Sally received her associate of arts degree from Santa Barbara City College, which certified her as a bilingual cross-culture teacher’s aide.

She enjoyed her tenure of 26 years at Franklin Elementary School, where she served as a teacher’s aide. She also was employed with several day care centers throughout Santa Barbara.

Sally enjoyed her Friday nights which involved cheering for her alma mater, SBHS, rooting for her beloved Dons and tooting her horn for all to hear.

Sally is survived by her husband of 50 years Santos; children George, Victor, Leonard, Benny, Paul (Carol), John, Daniel (Andrea), Genevieve (Gilbert), Santos Jr. (Rose), Jesse (Virginia) and Delaine (Juan); 29 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and counting.

Sally will always be remembered for her unique sense of humor, her big heart and her love and devotion to children throughout Santa Barbara.

A rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 21 E. Sola St.

The Celebration of Life will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14, at SouthCoast Church, 5814 Cathedral Oaks Road, Goleta, followed by the interment service at Goleta Cemetery, 44 S. San Antonio Road, Santa Barbara.

The reception will be held at the Moose Lodge, 110 W. Victoria St.

Arrangements entrusted to Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services.