Maria del Socorro Medina

(known as Socorro Medina)

May 30, 1934 – November 14, 2024

Socorro Medina, age 90, of San Diego, died peacefully after living with the reality of Alzheimer’s. She was born on May 30, 1934, in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, the daughter of Guadalupe Villa.

As a young woman, Socorro moved to Tijuana, with her mother. While working in the San Diego area, she met the young and funny guy - Ernie. They had an intriguing courtship. She loved cotton candy so much that Ernie bought a cotton candy on a stick and held it safely as he drove from Escondido and crossed the international border. At the end of the drive there was simply a piece of rolled cardboard. Oh, how love would express itself! She officially moved to San Diego when she married Ernie in 1959. After their first born, they lovingly referred to each other as “Mommy” and “Daddy.”

She took her part in raising 4 most “bizarre and interesting” boys. She was a great mother and was able to keep up with all of them. There are memories of trying to learn how to give each of the boys haircuts in order to save money; outside meals and play time in the backyard; adventures to the General Dynamics campground near Julian; cooking incredible meals, including Chilaquiles; watching Bonanza and Adam-12 on the television; and always the exciting times at Missile Park.

We all lived in a very modest 2 bedroom/1bath house, and sometime in the late 70’s a decision was made to finally expand the home to a 4 bedroom/2 bath house. There was a strong declaration made by Socorro when she said, “That bathroom is for the boys - THIS bathroom is for the women!” And so, it was done!

In addition to being a stay at home mom, she loved to cook, sew clothes, take on various crafts and hobbies and tell stories. She did side jobs of childcare and cleaning folks’ homes.

Her faith was very important. She was an active member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Pacific Beach Congregation. (The family is most thankful for their unconditional love and support throughout her life. Their presence made a significant difference in her life.)

Socorro is survived by her husband Ernest Medina of San Diego; her sons, Ernesto, and his wife Susan of Omaha, Nebraska; James of San Diego, California; Alexander of San Diego, California; and Victor of San Diego, California. She is additionally survived by her Grandchildren: Eric, Elizabeth, Valerie, Anthony, Diana, Rylan, and Quinn “Camile.” She had a number of Great-Grandchildren. Socorro was blessed with a significant number of Godchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Guadalupe Villa; step-father, Felix Villa, and sister, Elvira Zatarin.

She was known as Socorro, Socorrito, “Mommy,” Mom, Mama, Tia, Aunt, Nanny, Abuela, and Nina. So much love!

Services will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at El Camino Memorial Chapel. The address is 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121.

Visitation will be held in the Chapel at El Camino Memorial from 10am to 10:45am.

The Memorial Service will start at 11am. This will be followed by a short gravesite service.

All are welcome and most invited to join the family for a reception at Polaris Breen Park, 11103 Polaris Drive, San Diego, CA 92126 immediately following the services. (Please bring a lawn chair if you are able.)

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Socorro’s memory can be made to Deaf Community Services, 2240 Cleveland Ave., National City, CA 91950.