Princess, the definition of a princess is a noble woman of high rank (mother and grandmother).
The life of Aurora Marie Ortega began October 1, 1932. She was born in Los Angeles. Her parents Francisco (Papa) and Sarah Ortega. They had five children Frank, Lupe, Artie, Aurora, and Carlos.
My mother's brother Carlos told me a story about when they were young they would play outside in the dirt, but not Aurora. Grandma Sarah didn't want " La Nina" to get dirty or scrap her knees because she was a little princess. When I asked if mom played sports my Nino Joes response was "No, your mom had two left feet but, she was great dancer".
Mom was very close with her family, her brothers, sisters, and cousins. One of her brother Carlos's memorable moments with his sister was one Christmas when she got a tea set. She would make mint tea and invite her cousin Joe and brother Carlos to tea parties. Mom attended St. Josephs Catholic School. Her outgoing and vibrant personality was such that she attracted many different friends. She belonged to St. Joseph's social club were she was involved in organizing dances, and other activities. Mom loved to dance and sing, she was in a dance group were she would perform Spanish and Folkorico dancing. Her love for dancing gave her an opportunity to perform on a TV show called "Mi Hacienda". Mom was also a dancer for a beer commercial called Rangel beer. Our grandmother was very strict with our mom, so our Nino Joe would pick her up and take her to school in his Model A Ford. Our mother met our father, Robert at a St. Joseph's dance. Nina Margaret remembers Robert telling Father Thomas that he was going to marry that girl. Aurora and Robert were married on July 21st 1951. Shortly after they were married our dad went to the Air Force. After boot camp, mom later followed him to North Carolina. Then she returned home when she became pregnant with our brother Bobby. We grew up in South Los Angeles. My memories of our childhood living in El Sereno were great. Mom was an excellent seamstress, she would make beautiful prom gowns for friends and relatives. As well as wedding gowns. Mom's favorite thing was making our Halloween costumes. We would have everyone in our neighborhood at our door asking my mom for help with their costumes. She would get together with Georgine and Bertha, and other neighbors and have Halloween parties. She would often organize a neighborhood talent show; all the kids would get involved. One act was David as a ventriloquist and George as the puppet . Bobby would sing. Irene, Landa and Cindy would sing and dance pretending to be The Supremes. My cousins Irene and Olivia would stay with us. We would have great times dancing, and singing, with mom watching over us.
Mom was a Cub Scout Den mother. She was in a 4th of July parade with David and George as their Mascot. She was also a PTA mother; she would make beautiful cakes and decorate for different events. Other memories include going to Santa Monica beach with Margaret, Chela and 10 or 12 kids packed in the back of her station wagon. Mom was always very involved with friends and family. When we moved to Alhambra, we use to have great family gatherings, at our home.
In her later years she met Jack, they married a few years after they met. As time passed our family started growing, and then came the grandchildren. David and Cathy had mom's first grandchild Michelle later David Jr. Shortly after Landa and Richard had their first child Lil Richard a few years later Nicko was born. Our family continued to grow with Bobby and Gloria's family Joey, Veronica, and Lizzie. George and Linda had their first baby girl Melinda and then Cynthia was born. Cindy and Mike had their first child a baby girl Amber Rose followed by mom's last grandchild Aaron.
Mom's memorable times were the birthday celebrations that we all shared with each one her children and grandchildren. Christmas was her favorite holiday; she would cook for days preparing her favorite dishes and goodies. Shopping for the kid's gifts and making a big party which included; nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, brothers and sisters. Everyone was invited! That's something her and Jack loved. Halloween was also another favorite holiday. She loved making costumes for the kids. We showed up at the last minute, and there was mom at the last minute making a costume. Her special moments were spending time with her grandchildren. Sharing stories and pictures of all our family. Mom had a very creative side; she could make a beautiful floral arrangement. Her love for crafts came from with in her heart; she could pick up a branch from a yard and create a beautiful Christmas wreath or Easter tree.
One of my fondest memories is hearing our mother walking through the house singing and dancing. I remember her coming in to our rooms singing "How do you do my partner". She was a very cheerful, loving, kindhearted and gentle person, always had a solution to any problem. My mother loved her family with all her heart! She would do anything for all of us. Mom passed away on February 3rd 2010. Her wink and smile will always be in our hearts for ever!
God Bless you Mom & Grandma & GeeGee!
Told by Lucinda(Cindy) Garcia