Corazon Ira Santos

Corazon Ira Santos (Cora), 79, of Huntington Beach, CA passed away on May 1st 2023, at South Coast Global Hospital. She was born July 28, 1943, in Manila, Philippines, daughter to Jose Martin Ira & Consuelo DeJesus Ira and sister to Marianne Ira Hipolito. She is predeceased by her parents and sister.

Cora grew up in Bocaue Bulacan Philippines and graduated from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) where she received her BS degree in food & nutrition. She moved to Montreal, Canada to do her internship for institutional nutrition at St. Anne’s Veteran Affairs Hospital where she eventually met her husband, Antonio R. Santos (Tony).

In 1967, Cora married Tony, the love of her life, in Montreal, Canada where they were married for 56 years. They eventually moved to Illinois where they started their family and she became a US Citizen. She is forever cherished by her two children – Karina and Gerry, her son-in-law, Till Kruppa, daughter-in-law, Haley Moon Santos, and grandchildren, Reef Anthony Santos & Chase Ethan Santos. She is loved and remembered by her nieces, cousins, Godchildren, and dear friends.

Cora was truly a kind, gregarious, joyful, and generous soul that touched so many lives.  She worked at Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, CA for over 18 years where she was their lead Dietician. She became a mentor and volunteer at Meals on Wheels America where she served the Orange County Senior community by providing homebound seniors with hot meals and a smile.

Friends and family will never forget Cora’s beautiful smile and endearing laugh.  Her inward beauty matched her outward beauty. She was loved by all that knew her. She was inspirational to many and will always be remembered by her thoughtfulness, love of life, strength, service to others, extraordinary Filipino cooking, and magical green thumb.  Heaven’s gardens are probably beaming with colorful flowers thanks to Cora.  Heaven received a beautiful angel. She will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Cora’s life on May 12, 2023 with her family.  Funeral Mass will begin at 2:00pm at Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church – 20444 Magnolia Street, Huntington Beach, CA  92646. Online viewing of Cora’s Funeral Mass can be accessed with the link below. Reception to follow. (TBA once confirmed.)

Memorial Gift Donations - In lieu of Memorial Gifts, donations to "Sts. Simon & Jude Catholic Church" would be appreciated so the church can purchase a new statue of the Virgin Mother Mary.  Please place "Corazon I Santos Memorial" in the memo of your payment.  This will honor Cora's love of God and the church.

Funeral Mass will be streamed Live, on May 12, 2023 @ 2:00p.m., click on the following link to watch the service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_b312t1jno 

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