I wanted to read this at Cora's Memorial Service, time was restricted so I couldn't. I am grateful to post it here at this time.

On Sept. 13, 2001 at 9 AM I just heard my friend Cora was on the plane that crashed into the World Trade Center. My brother Jess left me a message on my cell phone giving me the news. The news was so shocking for me, my knees buckled and my heart was aching so hard my chest hurt. Cora was one of our group that hung around each other from Jr. High to High School. The four were Cora Hidalgo, Maria Alvarez, Adella Antillion and myself Irma Arriola. We were from the graduating Class of 1967 SBHS.

Beginning in Jr. High you might say it was the beginning of first friendships that grow and bond. We spent our time doing what girls do at that age. Talking on the phone, going to the movies, going to school dances and just hanging out. My brother Jess would go pick up Cora on his bike, that was a two mile ride, just so she could spend Sat. afternoon with us. In high school we would reflect on this and we would laugh. I would ask Cora how did you endure sitting on the bar of that bike? She would reply, “Irma your brother was so cute it was worth it.”

The four of us were in Drill Team, Jr. Coaches and we all had some classes together. Cora seemed to be more involved she was in the Choir, Student Government, and a Cheerleader. In high school Cora was in the Spanish Club, GAA and Card City Congress. With all these activities Cora was an exceptional student and maintained a B average taking a collage prep course at SBHS, Cora graduated with Honors. When we got to high school we all had different interests, but we all managed to meet at lunch to catch up with what was happening in our lives.

In 1968 I left San Bernardino to Los Angeles, I lost touch with Cora, Maria and Dolly. At times I would hear bits and pieces of news. I heard Cora got married and went back East to live, Dolly married had a daughter, Maria married and had a daughter come to think about it, all three had firstborns that were daughters. 

Today my heart aches for my childhood friend, the memories of youth and innocence of times gone by. Cora was a true friend, she was kind, considerate and took time for you. She was beyond her years, probably because she was so intelligent and mature for her age.

I have very close friendships, I have learned relationships must have maintenance in order to survive…… Cora in those early years of our youth showed me the first stepping stones of friendship and the meaning of a friend.The adventures of life we all took with her are memories we made. Each one of us have memories of Cora and she will always be in our hearts.
                                    “ With love from those who love you”
                                                    Irma M. Arriola
                                               
Cora, age 52, died Tuesday, September 11, in Flight 11 crash. She is survived by her husband Stephen, daughter Stephanie of Wayland, daughter Jessica and son Nathaniel, both of NYC and her son-in-law Victor, also of Wayland. Her 2 grandchildren, Drew & Amelia, both of Wayland. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. 


This is a Utube Video with Cora's oldest daughter Stphanie with her family this is awesome  tribute! A must see its a wonderful tribute to her mother Cora Hidalgo Holland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYj77zcEqHw


"Dia De Los Muertos" is a PhotoShow  done in Honor of Cora, this is only a segment of the Program done on Nov. 2, 2012 at the Home Of Neighborly Service in San Bernardino, CA. The link below will take you to the PhotoShow David Rodriguez (1967 Classmate) and I put it together so please enjoy the PhotoShow!

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/qG9Zz7uD


Please see my other blog site: http://imarriolasbbranch.blogspot.com/ 
 

My e-mail:             imarriola@hotmail.com