Neyla G. Jimenez
Our dear sweet mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt left this world on Friday, August 9th when she joined all her loved ones who had preceded her in death, most especially her husband Danny Jimenez her parents, Eucario & Maria Vazquez and her niece Deanna Vazquez. All those who came into contact with Neyla were struck by her sunny disposition and winning smile. Her concern for the wellbeing of others was a dominant characteristic in her life which she never lost.
Neyla emigrated from Mexico in 1946 with her parents and two younger siblings. She graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1955 where she was a member of the swim team. After graduation Neyla was employed at a variety of Santa Barbara and Goleta businesses, primarily St. Francis Hospital, the Miramar Hotel, P.S. Medical and Technec where she achieved the level of Floor Supervisor.
Neyla was a devout Catholic who regularly attended mass at Saint Rafael Church in Santa Barbara. She always looked forward to her Tuesday night Bingo nights at the Chumash, it was the highlight of her week, even when she didn’t win, but even more when she did! Prior to the Goleta Senior Citizen Center closing she regularly attended exercise classes there and was always a willing volunteer helping with the serving of meals at their gatherings. Everyone always looked forward to the lovely table decorations and corsages she would create for each holiday. She loved everyone at the Center and missed it terribly when it was closed due to Covid.
Neyla was the oldest of six siblings, brother Jose Marcelo (wife Alice), sister Silvia Yolanda Avila (husband Raul), brother Juan Ruben (wife Lydia), brother Francisco, and sister Martha Christensen (husband Jim). She loved her mijos, Ruben (wife Anita) and Rene, as well as her three grandsons, Daniel (wife Shiloh), David (wife Leah) and Vincent. She was great grandmother to Neyla, David Jr., Sophia and her newest great grandchild, Vivian (Vivi) born just days before her passing. To say she will leave a hole in our hearts from her passing is a massive understatement. Our Christmas tamales, a tradition she held steadfast to, will never taste the same.
Rosary will be held on August 29th at Goleta Welch Ryce-Haider Mortuary at 450 Ward Ave in Goleta at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held for her on Friday, August 30th at 10:00 at Saint Raphael’s Church, 5444 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara followed by her internment at Hope Calvary Cemetery, 199 N. Hope Ave., Santa Barbara. Reception to follow.