Lillian Ida Jimenez

Lillian Ida Jimenez peacefully passed away the morning of June 8, 2022, at 90 years of age, in Laguna Niguel, CA. Lili was born in Brawley, CA., and was among the 5 children born to the late Catarino S. Jimenez and Anita (Santillan) Jimenez. She spent the early part of her life in Brawley, where she graduated from Brawley Union High School. She received a full scholarship to the San Diego College for Women that became the University of San Diego. There, she earned her BA degree and also her Teaching Credential, beginning her life-long love and passion for education. Eventually, she completed studies for her Master’s Degree. She focused her career on bilingual education because of her belief that well-educated English and Spanish speakers were valuable assets to society. She was part of a team that trained teachers, developed curriculum, presented workshops and watched, as they saw students thrive in the classroom.

Upon her retirement, Lili took a few months off to travel through the United States, following Route 66. This proved to be quite an adventure for her. When she returned from her trip, she was offered an opportunity at the university level to consult using her successful teaching experience in the training of student teachers. She took the challenge and 5 years later, retired for the last time!

A strong and independent woman, Lili enjoyed working in her garden, tried her hand at painting, loved reading and writing stories, appreciated all types of music, liked taking day trips to interesting places and going out to eat. She had quite a sense of humor and was happiest when she was at family gatherings. Lili will be dearly missed; but she left us with a lifetime of beautiful memories.

Lili is survived by her brothers Conrad (Emma) Jimenez and Tom (Anita) Jimenez, sister Annie Granillo, half-sister Estella (Al) Minor and aunt Lilia Santillan. She was preceded in death by her brother Andrew Jimenez. Lili never had children of her own; but she was committed to the students she taught for over 35 years and devoted to her Godchildren and to her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial Service to be held Tuesday, June 28th at El Camino Memorial Park, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA. Visitation 10-11 a.m.; Funeral Service in Large Chapel 11 a.m.-12 p.m.; Graveside Service 12-1 p.m.