Elena Mora Valdez was born on April 6, 1936, in San Juan del Monte, Jalisco, Mexico. In the early '70s, she made Santa Barbara her home, where she planted her roots and built a beautiful life centered around family, hard work, and love. In 1973, Elena married the love of her life, Juan Valdez. Together, they raised their four children: Mireya, Veronica, Juan Jr., and Denise. Through hard work, perseverance, and devotion to their family, Elena and Juan truly lived the American dream, becoming homeowners and business owners in the community they called home.

In 1989, Elena and Juan purchased Goleta Bakery and transformed it into a Mexican panaderia and Mexicatessen. Elena proudly brought champurrado and canela to Old Town Goleta, but the bakery soon became much more than a place to buy bread and food. It became a gathering place for the neighborhood—a place where locals came together, friendships were formed, stories were shared, and soccer games were watched and celebrated together. Elena and Juan welcomed everyone with warmth and hospitality, creating a sense of community that made the bakery an important and beloved part of Old Town Goleta. Over the years, Elena came to know and cherish generations of customers who walked through her doors. She had an especially soft spot for the neighborhood children, who knew they could count on her for lovingly given donut holes and a smile. As much as Elena loved her work and her community, nothing compared to the love she had for her family. She was a devoted grandmother to her beloved grandchildren: Breana (Noah), Elena Viviana, Nikki, Brennen, Brother, Arianna, Yesenia, Sara, twins Ava and Aleena, and little Sheala-and, of course, Mila, her beloved and faithful furry protector, who held her own special place in Elena's heart. Her grandchildren brought tremendous joy to her life, and each shared a special and unique bond with their grandmother.

Elena was preceded in death by her parents, Guadalupe Mora and Petra Mora Plasencia; beloved husband, Juan Valdez; brother, Refugio Mora; sister, Enedina Mora; and, most recently, brother, Pascual Mora. Elena leaves behind a legacy of hard work, strength, generosity, and, above all, love. Her presence will forever be felt in the family she raised, the grandchildren she adored, the community she served, and the countless lives she touched throughout her many years in Santa Barbara and Goleta. Her children, her son-in-law Josh, her grandchildren, her siblings, and countless nieces and nephews of many generations will miss her more than words can express and will carry her love in their hearts forever. Her strength will remain with us, her love will continue through us, and her memory will forever be a part of who we are.

With Heartfelt Gratitude We would like to recognize Mukul Gupta, MD; Priti Gagneja, MD; Richard Ponce, MD; Mark Abate, MD; Jessica Davis, DNP; Muhammad Haq, MD; Cecily Bosma, PA-C; Rosa Choi, MD; and Elizabeth, along with the truly wonderful infusion nurses at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center and the many other healthcare providers who cared for Elena throughout the years. Together, you provided exceptional care, kindness, compassion, and invaluable support for Elena and her daughter Veronica during the most difficult times. To each of you, thank you for the precious time your care gave us and for helping Mother reach the incredible milestone of her 90th birthday. Your kindness, care, and support meant more to me than I could ever adequately express. Cheers!

A Rosary will be held at Our Lady Of Sorrows Church on Wednesday August 19th at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held the following morning, the 20th at Our Lady of Sorrows Church at 10:00 AM. 21 E Sola St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. 

Interment will immediately follow the mass at Goleta Cemetery. 44 S San Antonio Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93110

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara in Elena's memory.