Estella Socorro Ortega

Estella Socorro Ortega, 85, of Big Bear City, California, was born Maria del Socorro Estela Ortega Maya on April 24, 1941, in Zacapu, Michoacan Mexico, the eldest daughter of the late Leonardo and Enedina Ortega and died on July 28, 2026, in Palm Springs, California. Mom always dreamed of a better life for her and her family than the one they had in small town Mexico. Although beautiful, the small town in Michoacan did not have the opportunities or ability to grow, prosper and thrive. She waited until she was old enough then made her way to the border town of Tijuana staying with family. By chance, she got a babysitting job for a family in San Diego (San Ysidro) and she crossed the border each morning to her job. It was at this babysitting job that she met her future husband and our Dad, Adolph James “Jaime” Ortega. Well, Dad kept coming around and the two got to know each other. Although Mom did not speak any English, and Dad spoke broken Spanish, they figured it out and were married civilly in San Diego in 1960.

After several years living in San Diego, Mom and Dad made the move to Orange County (Santa Ana). This was going home for Dad as Santa Ana is where he was born in 1925 and grew up in Barrio Delhi. They lived in Santa Ana for 10 years before moving to Fountain Valley. The house in Fountain Valley was like no other. Big, spacious, a pool, huge gardens and was perfect for all the parties held there. My parents worked very hard to provide everything we needed. Many will remember the countless parties, gatherings with live music, and many hours of swimming pool time. We were so blessed to have the amazing childhood that we did. Mom worked for many years in electronic components and assembly and eventually retired from Phillips Ultrasound in Santa Ana. She worked tirelessly 12 hours a day at times and made many great friends and her coworkers meant so much to her.

One of the blessings of our parents’ 29 years of marriage was that they genuinely enjoyed many of the same things. Whether listening to music, spending time with their kids and extended family, throwing unforgettable parties, camping or simply spending time side by side, they built a life centered on companionship, love, and family. They always made you feel at home and were not a stranger for long.

Several years after Dad’s passing, Mom decided to sell the family home in 1997 and move to the mountain town of Big Bear City. She confided in us that her and Dad always wanted to retire in Big Bear. She bought a “Ranchito” in which only Mom saw had potential. I thought it was a tear down. Mom got busy turning the flat, gopher filled dirt patch backyard into an award-winning garden. She learned quickly from great friends at the garden club what she

could and could not grow in the mountains. Trial and error along with tears when a precious plant did not survive the cold or winter frost. Each winter she would bring in a handful of plants to care for and nurture them in her dining room till winter passed. She made many wonderful friends in the garden club.

Mom also was a fantastic sewer, knitter and loved to crochet. She joined a club of fellow crocheters at the senior center she referred to as the “happy hookers”. She crocheted many lap blankets for those confined to a wheelchair, beanies for young and old and hundreds of scarves. She looked forward to her time at the senior center as it was a great place to socialize, lunch, and hear from her fellow seniors about solutions for issues affecting their age group

Mom enjoyed volunteering at the senior center thrift store along with the local food bank. Sorting through and merchandising donated items to boxing up provisions and food for those less fortunate. You would catch Mom out and about delivering food to those who were not able to get out. Up and down those mountain roads in her trusty Dodge Durango who never let her down.

Each year Mom looked forward to the “famous” sales held in Big Bear on the weekends of Labor Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day. You would see Mom, son Roger, son-in-law James and other family members going from sun up to sun down to every garage, yard or estate sale. Mom could never leave a sale without buying or being gifted something. Although some items needed some work and repairing, it was no issue since Mom was famous for her use of duct tape.

Mom had a one-of-a-kind personality, a zest for life, a caring spirit, a smile that could light up any room, and an unmatched sense of humor. She always found a way to make others laugh with her witty remarks, unique sayings, all in her very unique accent. She enjoyed music, singing, cooking, laughing, gardening, volunteering, socializing and enjoying outings up and down the hill with her family and friends. Her willingness to take care of those who needed love and shelter, and the quiet love she expressed by caring for her family.

Towards the end of her life her determination, perseverance, courage in the face of life and health challenges, and immense love for life will forever inspire all those who knew and loved her. When she lost the ability to drive, work in her garden, travel, volunteer and do the things she enjoyed most, she said she was ready to “cash in her chips”. She was content with moving on to the next chapter as she was confident in where she was going.

Our family is deeply grateful for the many expressions of love, prayers, kindness, and support we have received during Mom’s health challenges and now during this difficult time. Your compassion has been a source of comfort as we mourn the loss of our beloved mother

She was a woman of faith, remarkable strength, and unconditional love. A catholic at heart. She lived her faith in a very personal and humble way.

Mom is survived by her six children; James, Edmund, Roger, Dolores, Denise, Diana. Their spouses; Lucie, James, John (RIP), Mark, and Tom. Grandchildren; Kandace, Alexander, Jonathan, Juliana, Zoe, Zachary, Kory, Kyle. Great grandchild; Nasturtium. , along with her immediate, extended family. May the Lord grant her eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Thank you. Roger Ortega and family. Rosary August 31, 2026 7:00 pm Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary - Santa Ana Catholic Funeral Mass September 1, 2026 10:00 am Saint Anne Catholic Church – Santa Ana Reception September 1, 2026 following mass Delhi Center – Santa Ana