Apolinaria T Jimenez Garcia

Apolinaria Teodora Jimenez Garcia, known as “Dora” and affectionately as “La Mamita,” passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, in San Diego, California, at the age of 98. Dora had a husband who died in 1985 and she never remarried. Together they raised five children; Dora dedicated her life to raising their five children creating a warm home.

She was born on December 9, 1927, in El Salvador, where she developed the strength, discipline, and resilience that would define her life. In the 1990s, she moved to California, while remaining closely connected to her homeland. She cherished traveling back to El Salvador and throughout the United States to visit her daughters, maintaining strong ties to her family across generations.

Dora was a woman of determination and quiet resolve. She was not outwardly warm, but she showed her love through the expectations she set and her unwavering desire for her family to have opportunities she herself was denied. As a young girl, she longed for an education, but in her time, that path was not available to her. That experience stayed with her and shaped her deep belief in the value of learning.

Despite limited formal schooling, Dora was resourceful and self-driven. She became an entrepreneur in El Salvador, running her own small store—an accomplishment that reflected her independence, work ethic, and perseverance. Even later in life, she continued to pursue learning, proudly teaching herself to write her own name, a meaningful achievement that reflected her persistence and belief that it is never too late to grow.

She had a quiet sense of humor and showed her love for her family in her own way. She dedicated much of her life to caring for others and valued time spent together. She found joy in cooking, gardening, and flowers, and had a special fondness for animals, especially chickens, birds, and cows. In her free time, she enjoyed playing Sorry! and working on puzzles, often sharing those moments with family.

She is survived by her sisters, Regina and Antonia; her children, Dora, Rosa, Veronica, Irene, and Luis; and was the proud matriarch of a large and growing family, including 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on May 4th at 5:00 p.m. at Glen Abbey Memorial Park on Bonita Road.

Dora leaves behind a legacy of resilience, perseverance, and a deep belief in the value of learning. Her life serves as a reminder that love can be expressed in many ways—through sacrifice, discipline, and the determination to build a better future for those who follow. She will be remembered with respect and enduring love.

A Reception will follow at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902, US, on May 5, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.