Photo courtesy of Luyben Dilday Mortuary
Long Beach, California
1928 - 2017
Lucille was born on July 18, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan and passed away on February 24, 2017 in Long Beach, California.
Lucille is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, her daughter Dolores Bennett and grandson Dakotah Bennett. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, Lucienne and Matthew Cordes, brother Matthew Cordes and sister Dolores Cordes.
Lucille was born in Detroit, Michigan and then moved to Boston, Massachusetts as a young girl. She went to school to become a nurse in 1953. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958, and there is where she met the love of her life, James Diehl. They were married on November 28, 1959. In August 1960, their one and only daughter Dolores was born in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1963 the family moved to Long Beach California where they presently reside. Lucille started working at the Long Beach Naval hospital as a Pediatric Nurse. She retired after the hospital closed, but then came out of retirement and became the nurse at St. Cornelius private school.
Lucille and Jim were very active and were pillars at St. Cornelius Church. They are the sole contributors in establishing the School’s “The Diehl Library.”
Lucille enjoyed going on cruises, nice dinners, and was quite the hostess, brief walks around the block with her love Jimmy, knitting, and getting her hair and nails done was a must! She mostly enjoyed spending time with her family. It was no secret that she was quite smitten with her one and only grandson, Dakotah. Her daughter Dolores has been her rock and providing the extraordinary care of both her parents. Jimmy was Lucille’s soulmate and her everything. Jimmy, Dolores and Dakotah as well as her extended family and many friends will miss her dearly.
Funeral service will be held 9:00a.m. Wednesday, March 22nd at St. Cornelius Catholic Church 5500 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, CA 90808. A committal service ceremony will be held at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 at 1:30pm sharp. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Lucille Diehl’s memory may be sent to the “St.Cornelius School.”
Lucille, you will always be remembered and loved as my second mother. I know you are now sitting with and chatting with the Lord. God bless you. With Sincere Respect, Love, and Sorrow of your loss.
Gregory Diamontopulos
September 20, 2017 | Seaford, VA
Mrs. Diehl,
I will forever remember you as my savior in 7th grade; thanks for keeping me out of trouble. You will always be one of the few examples I use to describe what "love others as you want to be loved" looks like. I am so blessed to have known you and your family.
Brandon Rios
March 21, 2017 | CA
Lucille was the sweetest soul. I thought of her as another grandma. My grandma Diana Ramos did her hair for years and every Saturday she would greet me with a kiss on the cheek and a warm hug. She made every Saturday morning a beautiful one. I moved to Tennessee but when I came home to visit I always visited her and Jimmy at the house. My prayers and thoughts go out to her family. She has left a beautiful mark on my heart.
Samantha Medhurst
March 17, 2017 | Nashville, TN
Mrs Diehl exuded warmth, friendliness and caring in her role as school nurse at St. Cornelius and I will always remember her with affection. What a beautiful life.
Kathleen Hauck
March 17, 2017 | Long Beach
I will always remember Mrs. Diehl's warm and beautiful smile. So very sorry for your loss.
Colleen Miller
March 09, 2017 | Long Beach, CA
Lucille,
I will miss our visits and chats. Thank you for all your kindness and always being so thoughtful. Love and prayers always,
Sr. Claire
March 07, 2017 | Long Beach, CA
The staff of Alamitos Belmont would like to express our deepest condolences to the family.
Arlene Donato
March 07, 2017 | Long Beach, CA
Lucille,
Thank you for always being so welcoming, kind, and loving. I will miss you always.
Sue Sears
March 07, 2017 | Long Beach, CA
The staff of Alamitos Belmont would like to express our deepest condolences.
Arlene Donato
March 07, 2017 | Long Beach, CA
