The Cardona and Uribe Families
by Mary Robles
Domitila Uribe Ackerman (Courtesy of Mary Robles)
Domitila “Tillie“ Uribe Ackerman was born on May 13, 1903 in Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico to parents Nicolas Uribe Villanueva and Maria de Jesus Orozco. Nicolas and Maria were married September 30, 1882 in Ameca, Jalisco, Mexico. Tillie left México in 1923 to live in the beautiful coastal town of Santa Barbara at the age of 20. Her sister Mariana Topete invited her to live here with her.
Fortunato Cardona was born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico on October 14, 1902 to parents Antonio Cardona and Josefa Briones. He met Tillie in Santa Barbara at English School. They were married in 1927 in Santa Barbara and their children were baptized at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Wedding Picture of Fortunato and Tillie (Courtesy of Mary Robles)
“Big Squeeze” / “Gran Squeeze” 1940s and 1976 (Courtesy of Mary Robles)
The Family Home (Courtesy of Mary Robles)
The family home on Brinkerhoff Avenue was purchased in 1942. Many generations enjoyed this house.
Fortunato and Tillie lived a good life in Santa Barbara. Fortunato worked in the oil fields (Laborers Union 585). Tillie ran Haley Cleaners for the Cortez family. She was the first woman to get a Boilers License in California. Their proudest moments were when their sons joined the military. Tony was in the Navy and Nick was in the Army. Fortunato and Tillie were also proud when they became United State citizens in 1954. They never missed voting in an election.
Tillie at the Santa Barbara History Museum (Courtesy of Mary Robles)
Domitila Uribe Ackerman went on to have a glorious life. During this time, she remarried, traveled with her family and continued to volunteer in the community that she and her family loved so much. Tillie passed away at 103 years old.
Cousin Group in Santa Barbara 1966 (Courtesy of Mary Robles)
The family story continues to make wonderful memories. The black and white photos are the third-generation kids taken in Santa Barbara in 1966. The color photo is of the third generation kids in Guadalajara in 1970. Not many cousins know each other. Maybe this exhibit will encourage our family to keep the family tree updated. This immigrant family tree is now going past the sixth generation at least.
Cousin Group in Guadalajara 1970 (Courtesy of Mary Robles)