Barbara Jean Orozco

March 30, 1928 – September 23, 2024

On March 30th, 1928, the world became a better place when Barbara Jean Foxen entered this world! Her parents were Raymond and Thelma Foxen, who lived on 81st Place in Los Angeles. Barbara was a 5th generation Californian going back to William Benjamin Foxen, who arrived in Santa Barbara from England in the mid 1820’s as a merchant seaman. He eventually married and settled in the Santa Ynez area in what is now called Foxen Canyon. Barbara’s parents loved the Santa Barbara area so much that they named their firstborn after the beautiful city with family ties.

From the day she was born, Barbara was always happy. At six months old, she appeared in a newspaper article describing her as a baby who “spends most of her time laughing and chuckling!” Barbara’s upbeat and positive personality was a constant throughout her entire life. Her family can attest that she was always in a good mood and never said a bad word about anyone. The Foxen Family was complete 14 months after Barbara was born, when her brother Donald was born.

Barbara attended grammar school at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Los Angeles. She was an excellent student, which became very apparent when she attended St. Mary’s Academy High School. We are still all in awe that she was Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Class President, Student Body President and Valedictorian during her high school years. She received a 4-year scholarship to Mount St. Mary’s College but it was not to be. Barbara met the love of her life, Mike Orozco, at the Young People’s Club at St. Michael’s and married him at 19-years-old on December 27, 1947. They welcomed their firstborn son, Dan, into their family one year later. Cindy, Teri, Steve, Mary Pat and Greg followed within the next 10 years. They settled into their beloved home on Wilkie Avenue in 1953, where so many memories were made. Wilkie Avenue offered Square Dances, Bridge Club, huge 4th of July shows, Halloween costume parties, Birthday parties, Christmas extravaganzas at Higgins Brick Yard and so much more!

Barbara was an amazing cook and hostess. She made sure that all 8 members of her family were present for dinner. Her Catholic faith was of the utmost importance to her. She always had spiritual books piled next to her bed and rosaries everywhere. Mike and Barbara were adamant that all six of their children attend 12 years of Catholic School, despite the financial sacrifice it was for them.

Barbara rarely stood still. In addition to taking care of her household and children, she was always volunteering at the school and the church. You would find her helping at the frequent Hot Dog lunches, modeling and helping at the Women’s Club fundraisers, volunteering at the St. Anthony’s Festivals, counting the weekly Church contributions, taking Holy Communion to the sick and being a Eucharistic Minister. Because of her strong faith, she frequently attended daily Mass, was always in a Rosary Group, attended Bible Study and traveled to The Holy Land, Rome, Medjugorje, Assisi, Fatima and Lourdes.

Not only did Barbara and Mike make sure that their kids were involved in baseball, scouts, ballet lessons, piano and drum lessons, they tirelessly attended most activities that their grandchildren loved such as basketballs games, cross country meets, swim meets, musical and choir performances, baseball and volleyball games and so much more! Barbara always sent her grandchildren special cards filled with cash on every holiday. She was amazing when you consider she had 6 children (with spouses), 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren! She never forgot a birthday! Her beloved Mike passed away in 2015, just a month short of their 68th Anniversary.

Barbara had so many friends it was hard to keep count! Many of them are now in heaven with her and we know that there is a huge celebration going on with countless family and friends! God Bless You, Barbara Orozco! You are loved and missed by so many. You have truly been the Light of Christ on this earth!

In Memory of Barbara

Donations May Be Made To

The Mike and Barbara Orozco Memorial Fund

Junipero Serra High School

14830 South Van Ness Avenue

Gardena, CA 90249

Please see QR code below to donate.