On Friday, February 28th , 2025, Maria Dolores Fragoso, 71, went to be with the Lord for all of eternity.

Born to Paul and Frances Villa in Santa Barbara on April 3rd , 1953, Maria lived most of her life in her beloved Carpinteria. She spent her early years at the B.D. Moore and Terra Ranches in Carpinteria where her father was the ranch foreman. As a teenager, she moved with her family to Carpinteria Avenue, where she lived for much of her adult life. Maria attended Carpinteria schools and graduated from Carpinteria High School. She also attended the Santa Barbara City College before beginning work in Human Resources at a number of different businesses. She worked for nearly two decades in the HR department at Cottage Hospital.
Maria married Laurencio "Larry" Fragoso in 1974 and in 1984, they were blessed with a daughter, who she referred to as her Precious, Cecelia "CeCe" Fragoso, who is the love of Maria's life. Maria's parents taught her to have a deep religious faith, strong work ethic and family values. She was a role model to so many, especially to her nieces and nephews. Known as Auntie Mata, she displayed an unconditional love for all of her family. She was always willing to help
her family and was there for them in times of need, providing several nieces and nephews respite when they were facing challenges in their lives. Maria was a family historian, often sharing stories about growing up on ranches in the Carpinteria area with her family. She was one of the most eloquent story tellers in the family. She was a confident, strong and independent woman who always stayed firm in her moral and ethical convictions. She was intelligent, compassionate, generous and completely selfless. She was sought out by many of her nieces and nephews for her sound advice and wisdom. Family was everything to Maria, and she is survived by her daughter, CeCe Fragoso, CeCe's significant other Juan Garcia, who Maria considered a son, many nieces and nephews and
several cousins who will all miss her greatly. Waiting to greet Maria as she entered the kingdom of heaven were the family that she loved and cherished, including her parents, Paul and Frances Villa, brothers Paul, Albert, Peter, Joseph and Tom Villa, sister Rita Villa; and husband Larry Fragoso.

Later in her life, Maria had to leave her beloved Carpinteria and move to Ventura, but she promised she would return to Carpinteria some day. Fulfilling that promise, services will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Carpinteria. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 21, followed by internment at the Carpinteria Cemetery.