Carol Louise Barragan, aka Tootsie was born in Los Angeles, California, on October 19, 1945, to Art and Myrtle Cepeda. She was the youngest of their 3 children. Her older brother Art, and her sister, Katherine, are now deceased.
Tootsie grew up on Pepper St, in Los Angeles, across the street from the Poplar playground. Her neighbors and friends, Hector Calderon and Henry Garcia recall that she was a bit of a tom-boy! They would ride their bikes and play at the playground across the street. They shared that she was very sociable, outgoing, and fun to be with.
She graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School where she played the cymbals in the band. She loved to dance, but did not attend school dances, because her mother was rather strict. Her friends shared that she was very well behaved because she did not want to get in trouble with her Mom!
Tootsie was very proud of being a Franklin Panther. Besides band, she also worked in the school cafeteria. In fact one of her first jobs was working at Bob’s Big Boy in Eagle Rock
Tootsie met the love of her life, Henry Barragan, at the playground. ,Henry used to be on the field very often playing baseball, but one afternoon, he walked into the Recreation Center where he saw her, and it was love at first sight! Hector introduced them to each other, they dated for about a year, and married on October 9, 1965, at Divine Savior Church. They had two children, Michael and Eileen, and 5 grandchildren, Tyler. Kimie, Drew, Mia, and Gianna.
Tootsie was very musical and creative, according to her husband, she got her artistic talents from her father, Art, who was a Machinist and a Musician. She got her work ethic and leadership skills from her Mom, Myrtle, who was a Book Binder and a Union Shop Leader!
Tootsie loved to do arts and crafts and decorate her home. She even had a crafts room! She had quite a gift as an artist! She began working at Disney studios, where she was training in the Cartoon department. As part of her training she took art lessons there to learn the “Disney” style. However, when she had to take the live drawing class, which included drawing the nude form, she did not continue, fearing her mom might not approve!
Tootsie liked to entertain, and host family birthday and holiday gatherings. She was always involved with her children and worked alongside her husband. She enjoyed playing the piano, dancing, cooking, spending time with friends, family, and her little dog, and living life to the fullest.
This last year of her life was a difficult one. She battled various health challenges like a warrior! She passed peacefully in the arms of the love of her life, on September 28, 2025. Besides her husband, children, and grandchildren, she is survived by her daughter in law, Debbie, son in law, Robert, several sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who keep her in their hearts
