Doris Sabala Cortez

Doris Sabala Cortez, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on January 20, 2026, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. She was 87 years old.

Born on August 7, 1938, in Downey, California, Doris lived a life defined by kindnessand quiet strength. She carried herself with grace, resilience, and humility, offering lovefreely while remaining steadfast and self-reliant throughout her life.

Doris was a woman of remarkable strength. She faced life’s challenges with courage, dignity, and determination. Despite hardship, she never lost her gentle spirit or her devotion to those she loved. Her independence was not loud or boastful—it was steady, faithful, and deeply admirable. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her decisions, comforting her spirit, and inspiring her to pray daily, lifting each loved one by name and trusting wholeheartedly in God’s care and grace.

She found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments. Doris expressed her gentle spirit through her love for her pets and her care for any animal that found its way to her doorstep. Her garden was her sanctuary—a place of peace she tended with patience, pride, and love. Whether planting flowers, pulling weeds, or quietly enjoying the sunshine, she nurtured life in all its forms and remained devoted to her garden throughout her days.

Doris was caring in every sense of the word. She formed meaningful friendships within her community and was always ready to offer a small act of kindness to anyone she encountered. Her home was warm and welcoming, filled with a quiet peace that reflected her gentle spirit. Those who knew her felt her kindness in the way she listened, the way she prayed, and the way she showed up for others without hesitation. One of the most memorable ways she expressed her love was through her amazing and delicious cooking, which brought comfort, joy, and togetherness to all who gathered at her table.

She is survived by all six of her children, their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her love, her prayers, and the wisdom she shared through her example. Doris loved each of them unconditionally and prayed for them faithfully every single day.

She is preceded in death by her Daddy (as she lovingly called him), her mama, her nine siblings, and her beloved first grandson, Ricky.

Family and friends are invited to remember and honor the remarkable woman she was—a woman whose faith, compassion, independence, and quiet strength left an indelible mark on every life she touched.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she laughs without fear of the future.” —Proverbs 31:25