Obituary of Carolyn Santiago

Carolyn Santiago, 56, of Moorpark, CA went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 11, 2016 at 3:15AM at the home of her brother-in-law and sister, Tony & Cheryl Palacio, who were both at her side. Carolyn was born in Northridge, CA to Elmer Lavon “Von” Ibbotson and Mary Ann Mascola on August 25, 1959 who, along with her identical twin sister, Cheryl, were the first twins to be born at Northridge Hospital. She and her sister were the eldest of five children. She attended Birmingham High School in Van Nuys, CA. She worked in the auto dealership industry for nearly 30 years in the business office handling accounts payable/receivables. In the 1990’s her massive hairdo caused the city of Moorpark, CA to replace all of its plumbing. She loved animals and always had several dogs which were always by her side. She had a knack for decorating and creating her own designs for all of the major holidays. She enjoyed spending time with her twin sister, Cheryl, and Cheryl’s husband, Tony, and especially loved going out for sushi. One of her greatest passions was music, singing in bands from a young age and singing southern gospel music in church with her family. She treasured the simple things in life, such as a relaxing backyard BBQ, camping, gardening, watching HGTV and FoodTV programs, and fighting over the TV remote when her brother-in-law wanted to watch the hockey game. She is perhaps best known for having invented the quesadilla as a child, though there are conflicting reports regarding the authenticity of this claim. Carolyn is survived by her mother, Mary Ann Sainz, her siblings, Cheryl, Rick, Vicky and Michael. She is preceded in death by her father, Elmer Lavon Ibbotson. Funeral services will be held at Blessed Hope Chapel in Simi Valley, CA on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 1:00PM with Pastor Joe Schimmel officiating. Flowers, condolences and donations may be sent to Blessed Hope Chapel, 23 W Easy St, Ste 204, Simi Valley, CA 93065. The family wishes to thank Livingston Memorial for their wonderful care of Carolyn and keeping her comfortable in her final days. Pastor Joe Schimmel and Lisa Schimmel and the extended church family of Blessed Hope Chapel for the constant prayers and expressions of love. Face Off With Cancer for their awesome charity work for those battling cancer, for which Carolyn was a recipient of their financial generosity. Carolyn’s employer, Shaver Auto in Thousand Oaks, CA, for all of their financial support after Carolyn could no longer work. And lastly, but most importantly, they’d like to thank God for His compassion and mercy on Carol in her final days.