Ernestine Ann Pimentel

Ernestine "Ann" Pimentel was born on November 11, 1927, in Milpitas, CA. She and her family were one of the earliest settlers in the town of Milpitas, when the population was only 200 people. It was a quaint farming town where everyone knew each other in their community. As it turns out, Ann met her future husband Louie, when his family moved next door to her great-grandmother's home, which once stood down the street from the current Milpitas Library.

Ann's family eventually outgrew their Milpitas home, and her parents moved them to San Jose, near Backesto Park and Holy Cross Church. The move was a positive change for her family. It brought her parents closer to the cannery where they worked. It also allowed Ann to discover new interests when she attended Peter Burnett Jr. High School and then later San Jose High School.

Ann started working as a young teen at her aunt's dry cleaning and alterations business. Her love of fashion is what eventually drew her to get a job at Grayson's Women's Apparel store located in downtown San Jose. Ann started her career at Grayson's as a successful salesclerk. Her talent was soon recognized, and she was quickly promoted to the store's credit manager, where she excelled.

After WWII ended, Ann reconnected with her childhood sweetheart, and they fell in love. During their courtship, they enjoyed going to the movies and the beach. They also loved dancing at a local San Jose dance hall called the Palomar, where Harry James would play live music with his Big Band Orchestra.

Ann married her true love Louie in July of 1950 in a beautiful ceremony held at the original St. Patrick's church in downtown San Jose. Their wedding reception was held in her parents' backyard, in an enchanting rose garden setting. Their friend, who played in a band, provided live music for all to enjoy this wonderful celebration.

Ann continued to work at Grayson's as she began her life as a newlywed. She and her husband's combined efforts allowed them to buy their first home in the east foothills of San Jose. This is where they created roots in their community and raised their family.

Ann eventually left work when her first child started elementary school. She didn't return to the workforce until a decade later, after her youngest child started school. Ann worked at Grant's department store in their credit department. Eventually, she found her passion working with children at the elementary school as a paraprofessional teacher's aide.

After Ann and her husband retired, they enjoyed traveling in their motorhome. They explored new places along the northern west coast, from California all the way up to Canada.

The list is long of the things that made Ann enjoy life. She loved her husband, her immediate family, her extended family, her friends, her neighbors, and her community. She loved singing, painting, gardening, dancing, and learning new things. She was a bit of a foodie and loved to try new foods and going to new restaurants. She took great pride in the successes, accomplishments, and milestones of her family. She was their biggest fan and biggest motivator. In the days before her passing, she said in a whisper that she was happy. Ann loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband Louie. She leaves behind her children (their spouses/partners), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous family members, many dear friends, and her dog. She will be greatly missed by all.