Jennie "Lita" Salazar

January 3, 1922 - April 24, 2018

Age 96 passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on April 24, 2018. Our beloved "Lita" was born in Durango, Mexico but was brought to the United States by her parents Simon and Romualda Unzueta as an infant. She graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1940 and became the first "Don" of the family. Our Lita was kind, soft spoken, and stoic. She was a loving wife and mother who went out of her way to please her family. For Lita, family was first. She sacrificed much to bring happiness to others and was always willing to give a helping hand, often feeding those in need with homemade tortillas and a cool glass of Tang. Her home was open to anyone who needed a place to stay for whatever reason. She never had a harsh word to say about anyone, never judgmental, just a kind gentle person who loved us for who we were. Our Lita tended to her family like she tended to her garden, with patience, kindness, and pride, planting the seeds of her family that she watched over and showered with unrelenting love. Lita loved throwing her New Years party at her house where family and friends could come and start the new year off together while eating delicious food and sipping on her famous sherbet punch drink. She enjoyed taking brisk walks on the beach, listening to music, dancing, and even played the accordion. She could be heard singing everything from Vicente Fernandez to Engelbert Humperdinck. She also enjoyed traveling in her later years. Jennie is preceded in death by her husband Manuel Salazar and her daughter Linda Marquez (Jose). She is survived by her two sons, Manuel Salazar Jr. (Sandra), Freddie Salazar, two daughters, Sally Mendoza (Jimmy), Susie Manson (Ruben Chavez), twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, along with her brother Martin Unzueta and sister Loretta Osborne. We are all very sad that she is gone, but we know that she lived a long happy life, and are comforted knowing that she is in a better place, reunited with family members in Heaven. She will always be with us and her lasting legacy will be one of family and love. Rest in peace Lita, we love you. Our family would like to thank her caregivers Ciera and Leticia. A special thank you to her personal care team: Debbie, Tracy, Stacy and Edgar, for all the love they showed our Lita. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Assisted Home Health and Hospice, 302 N. Milpas Street, Suite 103, Santa Barbara, CA 93103. Viewing will be Monday, May 7, 2018 from 12-2:30PM with Rosary to follow at 3PM at Welch-Ryce-Haider Downtown Mortuary 15 E. Sola St. Mass to be held on Tuesday May 8, 2018 at 10AM at our Lady of Sorrows Church 21 E Sola St. with interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery.