Cipriana D. Ibarra

On September 3, 2015, Cipriana Ibarra died peacefully in her sleep. Cipriana Ibarra was born in Los Mochis, Sinoloa Mexico on November 11, 1916. From a very early age she knew there was something better outside of the humble surroundings she was growing in. Armed with a 10th grade education and a great desire to better herself, she left her small town for the United States of America. Along the way, she met many people who helped her achieve her goal. Not speaking the language did not stop herfrom advancing at the various jobs she held. She started as a cook at El VAquero Restaurant in LA though friends who knew her talent with a sewing machine, she was employed by Rose Marie Reid who specialized in bathing suits, from there she worked for Cortina who specialized on a 4 piece ensembles followed by Phil Rose also on clothes. Her work as a sample maker made her a valuable emplloyee for it was the finish she gave those samples that sold the merchandize Paul Brand was her last and most generous employer. Barely only 5'1 in size, her heart and soul were filled with abundant warm care and love to give. My aunt Cipriana was like a mother to me for I lived with her more than I did with my own mother. She lived and worked for us. We were her family. She is the reason we are here. She gave us (a sister and myself) our education. Many hours were spent at her sewing machine so she could send us the monthly school tuition. When she came to visit (We, 6 brothers and sister) everytime was like xmas in August or July to us. She was like Santa with lots of gifts for everybody. In my child innocent mind at that age I created a sort of divine being who spread so much joy and happiness. Her giving nature was always at work. She always (when she came to see us on vacation) told me that one day she would make it possible for me to come and live with her. As I grew up and finished High School, she did just that. She showed me a different world I never knew. She was a true friend to her friends. There was nothing she would not do for those who needed it. She met people who came to America in search of a better life like herself. Knowing that they too were working to send money to their families, she helped them by offering to live with her. In those days to rent a place was not as expensive as it is today but for people with little or no experience it was a lot. They share rent, utilities and whatever necessary in order to make their living easier and comfortable and still have money to send home. Many of those people after a while left but they created a friendship of a lifetime. My aunt Cipriana we called her "Tia Panita" was the beacon of light who strengthen our lives. She gave us hope and her wisdom to live by. We'll miss her with all our hearts and will honor her memory by following her example by living and doing good. You are at peace tia. I know because you said goodbye to me the day I went to see you. My gut told me that would be the last time I would see you alive. When I received the phone call the following day at 6:30am I saw the number on my phone and I knew. I am happy for you mi tia linda, it's as if you were watching for me. You extended your hand to me. I held it you never uttered a word. While I talked to you about different things to see if the mention of a word would make you respond. It never happened I kissed your hands (blessed hands) and caressed your face. I left you with a kiss and a "I Love You Tia" I'll see you later in my heart and I knew that wouldnt happen. Rest in Peace Tia and thank you for the wonderful life you gave us all. “You leave behind your niece Gigi and Samuel Rios and grand nephew Sammy, Angela and Jonathan and Morgan Rios, Gabriela, Giovanni and Little Sammy Ramirez. Maeve, Christian, Brendan Rios plus a few of the family you left when you came to America.” A visitation for Cipriana will be held on Tuesday, September 8th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm with the rosary beginning at 7:00pm located at The Perez a Family Funeral Home, 1347 Del Norte Rd in Camarillo.