Laura Borgatello

January 1, 1915 - January 14, 2016

LAURA V. BORGATELLO Laura V. Borgatello passed away peacefully at the age of 100 on January 14, 2016, surrounded by family. She was born on January 30, 1915 in Santa Barbara, the third of five children born to Secundo and Josephine Borgatello. Secundo and Josephine Borgatello immigrated to Santa Barbara from Italy in the early 1900’s. Laura’s father passed away from the flu epidemic in 1918, leaving behind his wife and five young children. The family banded together and used their talents and resources to keep food on the table. To support her children Josephine took in boarders, as many as eight at a time, providing food, cleaning and mending to their clothing. This struggle early in life planted the seeds of faith, family and hard work in Laura. These values became the pillars of her century long life. During her childhood Laura learned the art of sewing from her mother. She began her first job as a professional seamstress at the Jack and Lou Rose Store. True to her nature, Laura was never selfish with her talents. She created patterns and sewed countless suits, dresses and coats for her beloved family spanning four generations. Many of these treasures are with the family today. In 1955 Laura’s brothers, Mario and Charlie Borgatello, called upon her attention to detail when they needed a office manager in their trash business that would eventually be known as MarBorg Industries. She continued to work alongside three generations of family members for 45 years, displaying her value of hard work, commitment to family, and customer service. She retired from MarBorg Industries in 2000 at the age of 85. Her contributions are credited with growing the company into what is today. Laura’s faith in God was an essential part of her life. She was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church for her entire life. Laura was deeply committed to its various service projects, the African Missions being close to her heart. Alongside her sister Ida, she generously shared her talent of flower arranging and was responsible for preparing the altar for weekly mass for over 60 years. Laura’s passion and interest in gardening developed at an early age when the Borgatello children relied on their family garden for food. She continued gardening until the recent drought and was always charitable with her produce. No one ever left empty handed after visiting Laura’s garden. Whether it was lettuce, artichokes, tomatoes, or zucchini, she shared everything she had. Adventures in Auntie Laura’s prickly raspberry path were a highlight for her youngest visitors. Laura was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Charles and Mario, sister-in-law Peggy, brother-in-law Denham and nephew Denny Lord. She leaves behind sisters Augusta (Lord) and Ida, nephews David (Louise), Mario (Judy) and Norman, and nieces Joy (Denise) and Laura Lord. Auntie Laura, as she was affectionately called, will be deeply missed by her eleven grand nieces and nephews, as well as twenty-three great-grand nieces and nephews. Laura’s passing leaves a deep whole in our lives, one that will never be replaced, but is filled with countless memories of a woman who lived simply, honesty and gracefully. Her quiet, yet powerful legacy will continue to influence the many family and friends who loved her. The family wishes to thank her devoted caregivers, Mary Martinez, Eva Valdez, and Rosina Valdez for their tenderness and compassion. We are appreciative of Dr. Michael Bordofsky for his many years of medical care and attention. Laura’s final days were eased by the wonderful staff of Visitng Nurse and Hospice Care to whom we are most grateful. For those who wish to honor Laura’s life of service, donations can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Bishop Diego High School or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care. A rosary service will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Friday, January 22 at 6:00pm. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Saturday, January 23 at 10:00am. Burial at Calvary Cemetery immediately following.