Carolyn Paredes

Carolyn D. Paredes, 88, of Camarillo, passed away on September 24, 2023. Carolyn was born at her childhood home in Moorpark, California, on June 11, 1935, to Manuel and Pilar Duarte; she was their seventh of ten children. Her father nicknamed her “Cookie” when she was three years old, because she would always greet him when he returned home from work and asked him for a cookie.

Cookie attended Moorpark Memorial High School. After graduation, she attended Marinello Beauty School in Los Angeles. She was a licensed cosmetologist for more than 30 years and owned her own salon in Thousand Oaks for seven years.

Cookie was introduced to her future husband, Albert, by her sister, Ramona. After a year of dating, they were married on February 25, 1956. They raised Cecilia, Patty and Buddy in their beloved town of Moorpark. Cookie & Albert enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Mexico and camping up and down California’s coast.

Cookie loved gardening, trying out new recipes and spending time with her friends and family. She had an everlasting faith in God and regularly attended Holy Cross Church where she had been a Eucharistic Minister. She was a co-founder of the Annual Christmas Boutique at Holy Cross Church. The burritos that she, her sisters and nephew, Dicky, sold at the church were always a big hit.

Cookie had a dynamic personality. She was unstoppable, humorous, enthusiastic and constantly on the move. She didn’t sit still. When she would say goodbye, it was with a smile, a kiss, a hug and the words, “I love you, miss you, bye!”

Cookie is survived by her children, Cecilia Ceja (Juan), Patty Paredes (Eddie), Buddy Paredes (Lori), grandchildren Celina Ceja, Sonia Ceja, Juanita Ceja, Jodie Smith, Ryder Paredes (Ashley), Sawyer Paredes (Becca), DJ Harrigan, Jake Paredes, Ethan Paredes, and three great-grandchildren, Gavino Ross, Hunter Paredes and Kennedy Paredes. She is also survived by her brother, Rudy and sister Teresa. She was preceded in death by Albert, her husband of 65 years, her parents Manuel & Pilar, siblings Carmen, Ramona, Rosa Lee, Ernest, Robert, John & Richard.

Cookie was greatly loved and will forever be missed. We will be together again in the presence of our Lord and Heavenly Father.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, located at 13955 Peach Hill Road in Moorpark. A celebration of life will take place following the services at the Holy Cross Reception Hall.