Anonymous
Source: Old Mission Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara wishes to express our appreciation for two exemplary employees who have served the Mission for over 60+ years, JoAnn Cota and Joan Cota.
Tuesday, July 26, from 9:00am – 11:00am, the Old Mission will be hosting a celebratory gathering for JoAnn Cota, Mission employee for 65 years. Celebrating alongside JoAnn will be here sister-in-law, Joan Cota who garnishes 67 years of service here at the Mission.
JoAnn Cota: Born JoAnn Saunders in Santa Maria in 1935. She has lived her whole life in Santa Barbara County. Married Edwin Cota in 1953, had 2 sons and 1 daughter, oldest son is deceased. She also has 7 grandkids and 18 great grandkids. She began work at the Mission through a friend, Phyllis who had been working in the shop already. Joan and JoAnn started work in the same month, September 1955, but did not know each other prior to that. Joan eventually married JoAnn’s husband’s brother and became her sister-in-law.
Fr. Virgil and Queen Elizabeth in 1983
Joan Cota: Born Joan Conway in Evanston, IL in 1938. Moved to this area in 1945. Married James Cota (Edwin’s brother) in 1962, and has 2 sons and 1 daughter, Theresa Cota Pote, who also works in the shop. Joan’s Aunt worked here first then she started after her Aunt left. This was her first job and has been her only job.
They both say time has passed so fast and they can’t believe it’s been as many years as it has. There has been so much change through the years. Their favorite part of working here was just that: getting up and coming to work every day, working together, and getting to meet people from all over the world. JoAnn has enjoyed the people she got to work with and enjoyed the many visitors she met.
Nancy Reagan at the Old Mission with Queen Elizabeth in 1983
This year Joan is celebrating 67 years still working in the gift shop and her daughter, Theresa Cota-Pote celebrates 40 years with the Mission.
Memories through the years:
• When they first started, there were no cash registers, only cash boxes that you worked out of.
• They were not allowed to wear pants, only dresses or skirts.
• Women were not allowed to enter the garden, where the tour route starts now. Because they weren’t allowed in the back, a Friar would bring them coffee in the afternoons. They also used to climb up on the desk in the office to look through the window at the Friars walking in the garden and saying their prayers.
• They would host the Friars at their homes. They would make enchiladas and drinks, and the Friars would help with dishes at the end of the meals.
• They were here when the Queen of England visited. They brought bloodhounds through the Mission before she entered, and they let them watch her plant a tree in the cemetery.
• Back in the early years, the Friars only had one car between them. One day Fr. Basil Kelly asked to borrow JoAnn’s car. When he came back, he told her he was never doing that again. Apparently, he had lost a hub cap and had to climb down a ravine to retrieve it.
• The shop has seen many evolutions over the years as well, rooms have been added and shelves have been remodeled.
• They both remember fondly the many Friars they’ve worked with through the years, including Fr. Basil Kelly, Fr. Virgilio who worked in the Archives, and a long friendship with Fr. Virgil Cordano.
Queen Elizabeth and Nancy Reagan at the Santa Barbara Mission in 1983
