Socorro Espinoza

Socorro Ochoa Espinoza was born on the 21st of November, 1945, in Tasinaxtla, Jalisco, now known as La Canada. She was born to her father Jose Ochoa and her mother Rosa Maria Martinez. She has 3 siblings: Lino Ochoa (deceased), Norma Orozco, and Bertha Macias. Socorro is better known to her family as “Coco” short for “Coconoots”, a nickname given to her by her sister-in-law.

Carmela “Carmen” Espinoza. Eustolio and Socorro met in Tijuana in 1960 and got married in 1965 in Tijuana, Baja, CA. Once married, they moved to Watsonville, California where they have resided ever since. Eustolio “Tolin” did everything in his power to provide and spoil his wife and give her the life they both always wanted. Together they had four children: Theresa “Gordis”, Monica “Flaca”, Lilia “Lele”, and Edward “Mi Baby”. Through all the years of their marriage, they lived by their vows and stuck by one another through everything. Though times were continuously changing one thing never changed and that was the love they had for one another, which only grew greater with time. Coco took such great pride in not only being the best wife and mother, but also being the best grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, neighbor, and friend. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

There were many things Coco was known for and that she loved to do. Her green thumb was very well known in our community. More specifically she was known for her beautiful roses which grew super tall; people would even stop and ask if they could pick one when passing by her house. Coco was also known for her style. She loved to dress up in her miniskirts, knee high boots, and leather jackets which she paired with her stylish berets and of course her beautiful jewelry that her honey would buy for her on any and every occasion. There is not a time she would go out and not get complimented. Coco was an amazing cook; she would make enough food to feed an army each time she made anything. She was known for all of those things but could also be found listening to and singing to mariachi music and dancing. Now is a good time to mention her love for Julio Jaramillo who she could be found listening to the most. She could also be found passing the time chatting with and laughing up a storm with her sister-in-law and best friend Carmen Espinoza. Coco worked at the Green Giant for 10 years then worked for Watsonville Exchange for 8 years prior to devoting her time to her children whom she loved more than words can explain. Socorro was always so full of life and love.

15 years ago, Socorro became bed bound yet she still always was the light everyone needed in their day. This never brought down Coco’s mood or sense of humor. When a smile was needed, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends could go visit her and just vent or joke with her. Her smile alone could brighten up anyone's day. Her husband Eustolio stood by her side all those years and took care of her to his best ability he always went above and beyond to fulfill her needs and did it with such love, grace & passion. Her daughter Monica devoted her life to taking care of her mother every day; this became her full-time job. Her grandson Gerardo Mendoza “Jerry” played a big role in caring for his Mami Coco as well beginning when he was in high school right up until God called her home. Carmen Espinoza also moved from Tijuana, Baja California to Watsonville to help care for her sister-in-law and provide her with a friend who was always there to pray with her and show her so much love. All of Socorro’s family stuck by her side and would do all they could to show their Mami Coco all the love and support that they could. There was always beauty to be found in the hardships of times. Socorro leaves behind not only her husband and children but also her grandchildren: Natalie Mendoza “La Princesa”, Crystal “Bogley” (Alvaro) Melendrez, Pearl Mendoza “Perlucha” (Pablo), Gerardo Mendoza “Toro”, Claudio Martinez Jr. “Chespirito”, Briana Hernandez “Brianita”, Joshua Espinoza ”Chocolatito” , Marissa Perez, Ashley Perez, Angelina Socorro Navarro, Alyssia Espinoza-Villareal (Alex), Jessica Espinoza (Moses) Edward Eustolio Espinoza Jr., Isaiah Espinoza. She also leaves behind her great grandchildren: Larissa Socorro Nicole Buckman, Jayden Martinez, Aaniah Hernandez, Ivan Loera, Ariana Villarreal, and Moses Jr. She also has three sons-in-law': Luis Perez, Gerardo Navarro Jr., and Claudio Martinez Sr., along with daughter-in-law Dolores Espinoza. Socorro was so loved and continues to be so loved and missed among all her loved ones. This is not a goodbye; this is a until we meet again with you Mami Coco.

Eustolio & his children would like to thank Dr. Duane Allen for his support, guidance, excellent care and love he always gave to Coco and the family for the past 18 years. Caroline Ceconi for all the support and guidance she provided to Coco & family for the last 15 years. Dr. Laurencin, Rochelle and Kathryn for providing excellent care and support, Visiting Nurses of Santa Cruz Tanya Ybarra and all the nurses for 15 years of excellent and compassionate service and Dominican Hospital where Coco received the best care from Dr. Rodriguez, Elba, Vio, & Radiology staff, Emergency Room Physicians, Nurses & Nurse Practitioners, Registration staff, Telemetry & Med Surge Nurses. We were blessed to have a place where my mother received 100% quality care. Thank you to Ingrid Chegai for all your care and treatment for Coco. A special thank you to Andrew, Anna, and Staff at Central Coast Ambulance. We would also like to thank Deacon Pedrito Ramos for always coming to pray with Coco and family.

A visitation service for Socorro’s family and friends will be held on Sunday, January 31st from 5-9pm at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, 609 Main St, Watsonville, CA. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Valley Catholic Church on February 1st at 10am. Due to Covid-19 restrictions mass will be held outdoor under canopies, 2401 East Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA. A burial will follow next door at Valley Public Cemetery, 2445 East Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA.

Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of The Carroll Family of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel, www.avemariamemorialchapel.com.