Celia (Sally) Diaz passed away peacefully on the morning of February 5, 2013. She was born in the summer of 1931, to Luis (Papa Louie) and Elvira (Mia) Leon in the small town of Santa Paula. Since her father worked for various Rancheros during the depression, her childhood was spent growing up in Rancho Sespe.

Having an older sister (Dolores) and older brother (Luis) and a kid brother (Benny) they found plenty of things to do and ways to get into trouble. Growing older, her interests and personal skills developed. She loved to sew, paint, garden and cook (God...could she cook!)

As her teenage years developed, so did her interest in a cute, but shy boy named Tony Diaz. He was part of the legendary gymnastic teams of Santa Paula High. He became the gleam in the light of a lot of girls eyes, but after 64 yrs together, well girls... sorry she won.

In 1952, her husband started to help his parents in their cantina (Las Quince Letras) offering food daily and creating a cafe. One day, Tony's mother, Pepa, asked Celia if she would help her make tamales... 60 years later, she still would grind her own masa, cook and season her own meat, then fold all the tamales by hand (marriage creates job security).

Through the years, she was blessed with five children: Sandi, Mike, Dan, Norma and Joel. She always has said "The best moments in my life have been the mother hen with all my baby chicks and rooster by my side."

As her children grew up, and slowly started to move out, her interests in helping the community grew. She has proudly served on the board of the Santa Paula Historical Society for the last 30 yrs. She was actively involved for a number of years with the Santa Paula Theater Committee. She helped with the Main Street Museum, Archive committees, and with her diligent dedication, she was the "photographer, creator and keeper" of the Historical Society's enormous scrapbook. Through the years, with the help of her husband, Tony, they were part of the founding core of the downtown mural committee. She was honored with three other women to receive the first Women of Distinction award for Santa Paula.

Her curiosity and interest in new and exciting things has led her to visit over 40 countries. She started teaching cooking classes at age 70, which in turn inspired her to publish her own cookbook at age 74. At age 75, she graduated from Westlake Culinary Institute and celebrated her 80th birthday by jumping off a mountain by a paraglider...not once, but twice!

She constantly said that she was blessed to have her children marry spouses that she considered extended children of her own. She had very strong religious convictions and beliefs, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." As this is being written, she is of ill health feeling God's hand reaching for her, and soon we all know she will reach back.

A special thank you to Dr. Stan Frochtzwajg, and all the assisting nurses at Livingston Memorial Hospice. She wants to say thank you to everyone that has loved, lived and laughed with her. A long, warm "besito" to all her children and grandchildren. God bless you all!

Most of all, thank you Mi Amor for the last 64 years..."Siempre te Amare."

A rosary in her honor will be held on Tuesday, February 12, at St. Sebastian Church, Santa Paula at 10:30 a.m. followed by a mass at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Celia's Life will be held immediately following at the Santa Paula Community Center 530 W. Main Street, Santa Paula, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Society in Celia's name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Feb. 10 to Feb. 13, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Celia Diaz

27 Entries

Theresa Puentes

February 23, 2013

May God bless all the Diaz family at this time. We have many,many fond memories of Celia.

You're in our prayers,

Manuel Theresa and family

February 18, 2013

Celia will be missed by all of Santa Paula. It was always a joy to be with her. She has contributed so much to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with all the family. Bob & Carolyn Tulberg

Linda Windsor

February 13, 2013

Sending my warmest, biggest wishes to your family in this difficult time. Celia is a superstar whose legacy lives on in the warm, kind and generous Diaz family. I am proud to have known her and felt her warm hugs.

Mona Mansfield-Erhardt

February 13, 2013

Norma and Family, so sorry for your Loss. Nobody can fill a Mother's shoes... may you meet Again in the perfection beyond Death.

Luis Leon

February 12, 2013

Throughout my childhood, while growing up, there have always been three pillars of strength and unity that my definition of “family” has been founded upon. Those pillars were the members of the León family, the Jacinto family, and the Diaz family, each lead of course by their respective couples. And as a child, whenever I knew that these three families were going to get together, or see one another other for a special occasion, excitement and anticipation filled my heart. My Auntie Sally was a big part of why I felt so much joy. Some of the strongest hugs I have ever received came from her (as well as from my Uncle Tony).

Even back then, it was already clear to me how Auntie Sally loved so much to laugh (and she definitely had The León laugh), she loved to dance, and she really loved to party. But above all, she most sincerely loved the family. And after visiting Santa Paula and it was time to get back into the car, I never left her house without being offered a treat from her side door cookie jar. Also, some of the coolest clothes and attire that I've ever worn in my life were Joel's hand-me downs that she would bring us. Her positive attitude was so contagious and in her presence (wherever that may be), she always made sure that the atmosphere was festive, and that everything was always taken care of down to the last detail. Of course my cool cousins weren't too shabby either. Especially after seeing the Diaz family compete on Family Feud. I have so many wonderful memories thanks in big part to my Auntie Sally, and it's no wonder then, that with so much happiness present during that time in my life, that as a child, I naively believed that these three family pillars would be with us forever.

During my adolescence and entering into adulthood, I began seeing my Auntie Sally in a new and different light. I gained additional respect for her because I starting noticing how hard of a worker she was. I also saw confidence in all that she did, and she was always so sure of herself, especially when it came to preparing food. In fact, she's probably the only person ever who has been able to step into the kitchen I grew up in, and tell my Dad to step aside (things like that just didn't happen). But even more important to me than these memories is the fact that despite her hectic schedules and demanding challenges of running a restaurant, despite the odd time or day of the year, and despite the distances between our families, she, and Uncle Tony, somehow always managed to attend every key milestone and event in me and my brother's lives. From graduation ceremonies to wedding celebrations she was always there, and I'm so thankful and grateful that she was. Many times, she came just to visit or to say good-bye before going on a trip, and almost each time, she would generously bring us the best beef jerky I've ever had. Sometimes she had other tasty treats for us that wouldn't last long in our household. But the best part was that her hugs were still as strong as ever, and her love for all the family continued to be warm and genuine. So as an adolescent, I knew these times wouldn't last forever, but back then, I felt invincible, and I believed that we all had an abundance of time on our hand with no real reason to worry.

Now as an adult, especially during these last dozen or so years, my perception of Aunty Sally was once again altered. I began seeing more of her leadership qualities, her deep commitment to history and her community, I saw her inner and outer strengths, her “I can do anything” mentality, her many passions, her humility, her generosity, and her conviction in her beliefs. But easily the most impressionable aspect of what Auntie Sally eventually became to mean to me, was her full embodiment of “living life to its fullest.” In reflection, it's no wonder that Uncle Tony fell in love with her, and it's no wonder that they were destined to be together and succeed in life, because she has been mesmerizing everyone since the day she was born.

So it was with great shock and sadness when news came about her illness. It seemed impossible to me that one of my family pillars, one of my lifelong cornerstones, could actually be crumbling away and helplessly leaving our grasp. The word “forever” no longer seemed to have meaning for me. As her condition worsened, I was lucky enough to see her, and I gratefully thank the Diaz family for that opportunity. When we visited 2 weeks ago, we laughed some, we cried some, and then we laughed some more, and towards the end I was treated to a videotaped family gathering where she was reminiscing with us all about her past, her youth, the good times and the bad. Her wise advice was being freely shared and deeply reflected upon. And as she sat there, the center of attention, she was in pain, but not showing it (for our sake). All eyes in the room were gazed and fixed upon her. All eyes, that is, except mine. From where I stood, I was actually more fascinated by the wondrous eyes of her grandkids and great grandkids that were surrounding her. I looked at them all and I was captured by their beautiful faces. I saw a potential for further Diaz greatness, I saw yet to be self-discovered talents, and I saw a future with multiple blessings upon blessings. Basically, I saw Auntie Sally. And that's when I realized that each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, will carry her within their hearts, as reflections of her and who she was to us. And that's precisely how, for those of us who continue our journey on earth, she will be with us and live forever, as we too begin to build little family pillars of our own.

Aunty Sally, your life has definitely been worth celebrating. We will miss everything about you, we thank you, and we'll love you forever.

Luis León & Family
02/12/13

Robert & Olga Leal

February 12, 2013

Our entire family would like to send our deepest condolences to the Diaz Family.

Olga Leal

February 12, 2013

To Tony Diaz and family, our prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. She was a great and elegant lady. I am sure that she will be greatly missed by you and her countless family and friends.

Robert and Olga Leal

Lisa Salas Brown

February 12, 2013

Prayers to the Diaz family. She always had a beautiful welcoming smile. May God Bless you always

Ralph & Kristina Reyes

February 12, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Diaz Family. Heaven just gained a great woman and cook!

Ben & Denise Lyons

February 12, 2013

Celia invited anyone (even me) into her home and showered them with love and good food. May God do the same thing, with the same enthusiasm as He brings her to a better place. My heart goes out to the entire Diaz family.

Elva de la Torre

February 11, 2013

We send our prayers. May God bless and comfort you during this time.

Love,

Elva de la Torre and family

KATHY MARQUEZ CANO

February 11, 2013

MY CONDOLENCES TO THE DIAZ FAMILY. SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR MOTHER'S PASSING. SEE WAS A GREAT LADY.MY FAVORITE MEMORIES OF MY CHILDHOOD WAS GROWING UP NEAR THE QUINCE LETRAS RESTAURANT AND GETTING TO KNOW THE DIAZ FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Shannon Sullivan

February 11, 2013

So sorry to read of the passing of such a wonderful woman. I cannot count the number of times my family and I ate at Las Quince Letras -- Best Mexican food in all of California. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of your loss.

Carol Taylor

February 10, 2013

So sorry for you loss of a beautiful woman. May your great memories keep her alive in your heart forever.

Sherri Cardinal McKean

February 10, 2013

She was a sweet, strong, amazing woman. She was kind to everyone. My condolences to the wonderful Diaz family.

February 10, 2013

To All Members of the Diaz Family,

We here at Tia Babe's send our deepest condolences on the passing of this lovely lady. She was such a role model and will be missed greatly by so many people. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

Tia Babe and her staff

Carmen Espinosa

February 10, 2013

Mr. Diaz and family, My deepest condolences in the loss of your most precious "love". I had a deep respect and love for her--every time I saw her, she was always so cheerful and that was a gift she gave me. Sincerely, Carmen Espinosa

Bob & Carol Padgett

February 10, 2013

Familia Diaz - what a family! Led by Matriarch Sally and Patriarch Tony, they set examples of how to live successfully, not only for their kids, but the community at large. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of transition.

Vicki Pinzon (Verna's Sister)

February 9, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Enjoying time together at the family restaurant

Carmela Tellez

February 8, 2013

Sending my love and prayers to the family. I'm so glad I got to spend some time with her last year.
Love and hugs to the family,
Carmela Tellez

Bobby Padgett

February 8, 2013

My deepest sympathies to the entire Diaz family.

Linda Anderson

February 8, 2013

Oh dear lady there are so many wonderful moments I remember in the almost 30 years I have known you
The one I can remember most is how you always gave your warm and loving smile to everyone who knew you.
You certainly treated me like family.
Rip sweet and dear lady , I will miss you so much.
May god bless and confort all your family you leave here .

Pamela Shepherd

February 8, 2013

Sending Prayers and Love to the Diaz Family. I am so happy I had the opportunity to meet Celia. Hugs to you all.

Pamela Shepherd

February 8, 2013

Sending Love and Prayers to the whole Diaz Family. I'm so happy I was able to get to know her. God be with you all. Much Love and Hugs

February 7, 2013

When we were little my parents would ask us where we wanted to go to dinner for our birthday. Without hesitation it was always "Las Quince Letras!". My parents and our families became close with Diaz Family. It was always such a joy to see all of the Diaz Family together - such love and warmth. Tony, Sandi, Mike, Danny, Norma and Joel you are in my prayers. God Bless you, Celia. Lani, Ken, Samantha & James Farr

Ramona & George Blyler

February 7, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Celia was a sweet and gentle soul. Heaven has gained an angel and she watches over you. Our deepest condolences on your loss.

Bob & Karen Casarez

February 7, 2013

Your Mom was a part of our lives for over 30 years and we loved her so much. We are so sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

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