Alicia Valenzuela Tarin departed from this world after succumbing to COVID-19, on January 7, 2021, at 87, and went to be with our Lord.
She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Alicia was born in 1933 in a small house in Downtown Ventura to Carlos and Juanita Valenzuela. She was the oldest of four siblings and was very proud of being a 7th generation Ventura native. She attended Holy Cross School at Mission San Buenaventura and Ventura High School.
Alicia met her soul-mate and love of her life, Hector, in 1951. They were married three years later on April 24,1954 and were blessed with five wonderful children. She dedicated herself to her children. She would always come up with creative activities to keep them entertained and to keep their bellies full with endless pots of fresh beans and homemade tortillas.
Alicia lived her life with her strong faith at its center. She prayed the rosary daily for world peace and gave thanks to God for each new day she awoke. Another important part of her life was being active and exercising. Alicia was a longtime member of the Pierpont Racquet Club. She also loved her music. Upon hearing the first few beats, whether the music was Big Band, mariachi, cumbia or salsa, Alicia would start toe tapping, arm waving, and letting the sound take her away.
Alicia was the core of her family. Knowing they were together made her happy. Alicia was the mayor of Dos Caminos, all the neighbors remember her radiant smile and welcoming personality. She was that rare individual who genuinely loved everyone, saw past any flaws, truly seeing Christ in all people. She lived by the message love thy neighbor. She loved to sit and chat about history and family lineage. Alicia was like a local historian. She knew it all, the family names, places, and the changes Ventura had undergone over the years. She had a deep thirst for knowledge, and documented her own history within the community of Ventura County. She was a founding member of Tortilla Flats, a group that honored and celebrated multicultural and multiethnic neighborhoods in West Ventura. Coming from a neighborhood composed of such diversity prompted Alicia to be inclusive, accepting and respecting of people of all races and creeds.
Alicia will be remembered as a continuous source of knowledge, kindness, and faith. Her joy for life and her positivity touched everyone she met.
Alicia was preceded in death by her husband Hector Tarin, her mother and father Juanita and Carlos Valenzuela.
Alicia is survived by her children, Charles (Kathy) Tarin, Margaret (John) Ewing, Terrie Tarin (Mark Ginchereau), Jane (Arnett) Smithson, and Grace (Bryan) Daniel. She is also survived by 7 grandsons Steve (Samantha), Jason (Dina), Dylan, Wesley, Eric, Henry, and Daniel; great grandsons Isaac, Noah and Ford; sisters Mary, Gloria, and Lupe; sister-in-law Mary Lou Roberts; Alicia also leaves many nieces, nephews and countless friends.
To our dear friend, Dr. Nolan Mayer, you cared and loved for our mother like she was your family. We are eternally indebted to you for your kindness and knowledge. To Dr, Uldine Castel and Karen Popp for their years of care and love. A gracious thank you to the remarkable staff at Community Memorial Hospital. These amazing people were soothing voices and hands for our mother to hold during our absence. Forever grateful to Drs Tahata and Robinson, nurses Karin, Melanie, Angie, Trent, and Lisa. Laura from palliative care was a guiding light, and speech therapists Dina and Lauren for their calming touch. We apologize if we left out anyone who provided care for our mother also.
Queremos dar un gran gracias a las mujeres que nos ayudo cuidando nuestra mama. Marcela, Isolina, Karla, y Veronica, ustedes fueron angeles para ella. Estamos eternamente agradecidos por todo que hicieron para nuestra mama.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Alicia’s favorite charities, Food Share, World Central Kitchen, and Grateful Patient Program at CMH, or your favorite charity.
Mom had so many friends from her affiliation with Church, schools, Pierpont Racquet Club. The family has decided to wait on services to be held at the Mission San Buenaventura until we are able to do a mass and proper celebration of her life.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.