Clara Padilla Obituary
Clara L. Padilla, age 78, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025.
Born on June 12, 1947, to Manuel D. Padilla and Elena R. Padilla, Clara grew up in Colton and attended both Immaculate Conception and St. Bernadine's Catholic Schools. A lifelong member of the San Salvador Catholic Church, she was baptized there and remained an active parishioner throughout her life.
Clara dedicated nearly 30 years of her career as a legal secretary, serving San Bernardino County, San Diego County, and private practice. She was known for her professionalism, commitment, and care for those she worked with.
Family was at the heart of everything Clara did. She lovingly cared for her mother, Elena, in her final years, reflecting her deep devotion to family. Clara is survived by her two daughters, Louisa and Valentina; her grandchildren Timmerie, Jaqueline, Oliver, Gabrielle, Trinity, Gwendolyn, and Claire; and her great-grandchildren Penelope, Sophia, George, Violet, Anabella, and Matthew. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Teresa, her niece Elena and Elena's children, with whom she shared a close bond. She was preceded in death by her parents, Manuel, an active union and political leader and Elena, beloved member of the Church community, as well as her siblings Julio and Carolina.
Family and friends are invited to attend services in her honor at San Salvador Catholic Church, 169 W. L St. Colton, CA 92324 on Monday, August 25, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Immediately following the Mass, a reception will be held. The burial service at Hermosa Gardens Cemetery will take place on a later date.
Clara will be remembered for her warm and loving nature, her unwavering faith, her lifelong ties to the Colton community, and her legacy of love that continues through all those that cared for her. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Clara, please visit our Tree Store.
Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Clara Padilla's name
People and places connected with Clara
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Clara's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Clara Padilla's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
