Socorro was born on August 25, 1931 to parents, Albert and Simona Buchberg in El Paso, Texas. She attended school in El Paso and eventually began her employment with El Paso ISD as a custodian. She enjoyed her career and forming friendships with the students and staff.
Socorro married her husband of 47 years, Santiago, on June 25, 1966 and went on to have two sons.
Socorro was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Simona, her siblings, Albert, David, Richard, Irma, Alice, and Flora, and her husband Santiago. She is survived by her brother, Edmundo Buchberg, son Jimmy Ornelas and wife, Melissa, son John Ornelas, grandson John Ornelas and his children Harliegh, Aaliyah, and Elena, granddaughter Sarah Belval and husband, Leo, and their children, Leo Paul and Eloise, granddaughter Beth Ornelas, granddaughter Jamie Sanford and husband, Derek, and their child, Derek.
Socorro often boasted about her sons’ achievements and fun experiences they enjoyed growing up. She often enjoyed shopping and laughing with her grandchildren, and enjoyed watching her great grandchildren play. Her favorite hobbies as a young adult included traveling to California, going to concerts, spending time with her siblings, and dancing. She was proud of her German ancestry and made her strength known by giving out her famous smacks on the arm to anyone she thought deserved it! She proudly displayed a large collection of elephant figurines and keepsakes, they were her favorite animal and always made her smile. Socorro enjoyed Dr. Pepper, coffee, honey buns, enchiladas, beer through a straw, and margaritas. She loved visiting with her long time neighbors back in El Paso and always spoke very highly of their friendship. Socorro continuously recalled stories from her childhood in her older age and passed many memories down to her growing family.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer Street, El Paso, Texas from 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm, with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2709 Alabama Street, El Paso, Texas at 12:30 pm. Graveside Service will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the love and comfort from those who knew Socorro and shared in her joyous life.
