Celia Zaentz

Time marches on, Celia. I miss all our good times. I hope you are somewhere really good and healthy and an check in on all of us sometimes. In Berkeley there will be a film fest weekend featuring Saul's movies. Your children and Stacey and John will be going along with others. Love you and still grateful.

Although i did not know Celia personally, I knew of her through my long time relationship with Dorian Mingus Zaentz. There could be no doubt of her power, knowing her choice of husbands, and the strength of her son. The one time i finally met this intriguing woman, was at her house warming, and when Dor introduced us, she looked me square in the inner eye, and murmured "Ah... the mythical Carol". I smiled, and with a handshake and eyes, i replied "Ah.... the mythical Celia". It was...

I only met Celia once, but it had been my wish for many years. I was very close with her first son Dorian Mingus for many years, and knew so many nuanced and involved stories, and knew she had to be someone remarkable, to have Dor, and to be with both Charles and Saul. Dor invited me to a sort of open house party at her Marin house, one weekend, and so how could i resist? What an opportunity. Finally the moment came... she walked up to me, touched my hand warmly, and said... "Ah.... the...

A truly unique person, I met her as a child in the early 1970's and reconnected with her late in her life.
May she rest in peace.

Celia is still admired, loved, and remember. Such a huge impact on so many lives.

Celia a fine time traveling to the Tahoe Film Festival, a great creative mash cutting The Rose and the Thorn, decadent trips to Calistoga for mud baths, massage and fine dining. Seizing life to the fullest, fierce truth, deep laughter ... Celia ya Celia.

Celia was my wonderful aunt (my father's sister) and the last of her sibling group of 5. I remember her clearly from the age of about 8 and on. We always liked each other and laughed a lot. Then I remember a disconnect for some years but we got back together in my late teens, and we were glued from then on. Traveling to exotic places, lots of deep talks and heavy discussions, movies, and many personal growth experiences and workshops (we were on a mission!). Her magical home in Larkspur...

I was lucky enough to know Celia for 25 years. I met her when I was starting to research my biography of Charles Mingus. She was a tremendous help, free with her memories and her contacts, bracing with her honesty and directness. We quickly became friends, and stayed friends until her death. She was a pathfinder ahead of her times and a warm, shrewd human being. I'll miss our conversations and her wonderful, distinctive laughter. She was truly unique.

I first met Celia, though my sister Karen Kruse. She was inspired to do a video project about our martial arts, it was called The rose and the thorn. It was thrilling experience to be part of this.I also meet here son josh and he did the music a talented family. I remember when she was here in Portland and we went to a Louis Prima film,I didn't know anything about Louis prima. I learned so much from her, but its hard to explain she just new thing from living. She made a impression on me....