Thelma Leticia Arribillaga

Thelma Letica Arribillaga 87, passed peacefully on September 28, 2023, after a gradual decline in health from congestive heart failure. Leticia was born on February 20, 1936, in Mexico City Mexico to Emilio Garcia and Zoila Esperanza Samperio. In her early years she worked in her Uncle Rafael’s orthopedic factory among other jobs in the medical field.

On July 1, 1961 she married the love of her life, Jose Barron Arribillaga (evident by her request to be buried in her wedding dress). They shared 42 years of marriage until his death in 2003. In 1970 they welcomed their one and only child, Liliana.

In 1973, they purchased a home in Victorville, CA. Leticia worked very hard in their home, always doing yard work and tending to her beloved plants. Once Liliana started Park View Elementary School, Leticia began working there as a noon day proctor. She was always after the children to tie their shoes and at least try a bite of the turkey mush before throwing it away. She worked at Park View for over 22 years. After her retirement she and Jose traveled back and forth to Mexico to take care of her mother until her death.

She was a devout Catholic, attending Holy Innocents Church. After she stopped driving, she still managed to make it to mass, either by finding a ride or walking to church. Her cousin and Liliana’s godmother Aurora always said Leticia was going to heaven with everything and her tennis shoes (Se va a ir al cielo con todo y tenis). God blessed her with a long life.

Leticia was a very caring and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, cousin, aunt and friend. She is survived by her brother Lauro (Blanca), daughter Liliana, granddaughter Olivia, grandson Anthony and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and longtime family friends.

We hold you

We hold you close within our hearts,

And there you shall remain,

To walk with us throughout our lives,

Until we meet again.

So rest in peace dear loved one,

And thanks for all you’ve done,

We pray that God has given you,

The crown you’ve truly won.

A visitation for Thelma will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Holy Innocents Church, 13230 El Evado Road, Victorville, CA 92392. A funeral service will occur Friday, October 20, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 13230 El Evado Road, Victorville, CA 92392. A graveside service will occur Friday, October 20, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Desert View Memorial Park, 11500 AMARGOSA RD, VICTORVILLE, CA 92392.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kernmortuary.com for the Arribillaga family.