Maria De Los Angeles Cortez

Maria De Los Angeles Cortez, known by those that love her, Angela Cortez, was born January 25th, 1972, in Colonia Constitución in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico to mother Maria de Jesus Cortez and father Roberto Cortez. In Tijuana, Mexico, she became a big sister to Veronica Cortez in 1973, and Robert Cortez in 1974. At age 6 years old, Angela and her family immigrated to Moorpark, CA from Tijuana, Mexico where she welcomed her additional bothers Rudy Cortez in 1979 and George Cortez in 1987. In 1984, she gave her life to Christ and got baptized in Jesus Name by Pastor Maquinales at Moorpark Apostolic Church. While in church, Angela served God in many capacities as youth secretary, treasurer, and Sunday schoolteacher, where she nurtured the spiritual lives of the future youth members by teaching them of the love of Christ. As an adult, she supported the youth’s spiritual journey at Moorpark Apostolic Church by sponsoring youth camps, assisting in fundraisers, and chaperoning them to services all around California. Angela graduated from Royal High School in 1990 and went on to Moorpark College, earning an Associate Degree in Child Development.

In 1995, she wed the father of her children at Moorpark Methodist Church. Angela welcomed her first child Jesse Robert Galvan “Pumpkin” on September 27, 1995, in Tarzana, CA. Thereafter, Jacob Amado Galvan “Baby Cup” was born on September 6th, 1996. Lastly, on October 22nd, 1998, Joshua Agustin Galvan was born and laid to rest on January 25, 1999 in Simi Valley, CA. While raising her children, Angela worked passionately in retail and in education. At Robinsons-May, as a luxury handbag buyer and expert, cultivating her love for handbags and starting her own collection. As an educator she supported special needs youth at Moorpark High School and then transitioned to becoming a preschool teacher at CrossRoads Children’s Center. After the loss of Joshua, she returned to retail and spent 15 years as an Assistant Manager at Walmart.

In 2018, she moved to the San Fernando Valley with her longtime friend Michelle Quizaman, who opened her home to Angela. The following year, she moved in with her son Jesse and son-in-law Cristians Galvan, where she resided until her passing. On January 30th, 2020, Angela became a “glam mom” to James Amado Galvan, cherishing the time she had with him until the end. On October 7th, 2024, at the age of 52, Angela Cortez was called home to the Lord. Angela is survived by her mother & father, brothers & sister, her sons, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandson, sisters-in-law, and her two cats BMO & Belle, in addition to many loved ones that she cherished.

In life, though Angela was initially slow to warm-up to others, once you were in her circle, she would protect you fiercely. She was described as resilient, witty, a good listener, and kind-hearted. Her guilty pleasures included Diet-Coke, reality television, chisme with her best friends, Disney movies, and her cherished doll and angel collections. 

With heavy hearts, we thank the Lord for the time He allowed us to share with Angela. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered in our hearts.