Mrs. Barbara C. Cota

COTA, Barbara Carmen (Calderon) 6/10/1918-8/14/2011 Barbara was the eldest and last surviving of 7 children born to Ellen Charity Forquer and Anthony Calderon in Santa Barbara. She was the granddaughter of Spanish soldiers at the Presidio de Santa Barbara, José Jesús Calderon and Carmen Garcia. She attended Delores Catholic School and graduated from Santa Barbara High in 1936. On December 27, 1941 she married Thomas "Tippy" Cota and had 2 children, Patricia Ann Morris (Richard) and Gordon Cota (Margaret). In 1953, the family moved to Los Angeles and Barbara began to work at the Santa Anita and Hollywood Racetracks selling programs. In 1981 she moved back to Santa Barbara to care for her ailing mother and began living in the family home on Bregante Lane. This house became a symbol of family where the Cota/Calderon family and friends would gather every Old Spanish Days for many years. She was exceptionally caring, which was apparent in the open door policy she had for family and friends and was always available to share a story or meal. She was preceded in death by her husband Tippy, her brothers Patrick, Charles and Michael (Buddy) Calderon, and her sisters Eileen Calderon, MaryEllen Whiting, and Lucia Verlatti. She is survived by her children Patsy and Gordon, her grandchildren, Robert (Brenda), Scott (Betsy), Kathy Morris, Susie (Patrick) Schreffler and Matthew and Elizabeth Cota as well as 5 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was an active member of Los Decendientes de Santa Barbara, Native Daughters of the Golden West, El Coro del Presidio Santa Barbara, and SEIU local 280 while working at the racetrack. A memorial will be held on Monday August 22 at 11am at Welch- Ryce-Haider on 15 E. Sola with a reception to follow. The family would like to thank Vilma Miguel at Abiding Care for her excellent and faithful care of Barbara for the last years of her life. Also many thanks to Eve Murphy and Mission Terrace for their care and graciousness over the last week of her life. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Visiting Nurse Hospice Care of Santa Barbara at 222 E. Canon Perdido or to Mission Terrace 623 W. Junipero St.

Mrs. Barbara C. Cota

June 10, 1918 - August 14, 2011