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Celia Zaentz Obituary

Celia Mingus Zaentz The colorful life of Celia Zaentz ended July 25, 2015, with her passing in her home in Los Osos at the age of 91. Born in Fresno, during the roaring 20's, Celia was a fearless, free-spirited woman, far ahead of her time. During the war years she trained to be a Rosie the Riveter and worked as a secretary at the Naval Supply Depot in Oakland. She married her childhood sweetheart, Jon Nielsen in 1948 and moved to New York City where Jon tried to break into the music business. Celia worked for opera singer Robert Merrill to support them. In 1951 she married famed jazz bassist Charles Mingus, and co-founded Debut Records with him in 1952. The label's biggest recording "Jazz at Massey Hall" featuring Mingus, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell and Max Roach, is still selling 65 years later. Celia later divorced Mingus and moved back to California, where she took a job with Fantasy Records in Berkeley. She met and married Saul Zaentz, and the two of them eventually purchased Fantasy. They struck gold in the 1970s with band Creedence Clearwater Revival. Later they founded Fantasy Films, which went on to produce major motion pictures, such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Amadeus, and The English Patient. Celia and Saul parted ways in the late 1970's and she began a period of travel and self-exploration. She began to produce documentaries about famous musicians through her company Blue Sea Productions. In 2007, Celia moved to Los Osos to be near family and was a busy volunteer with the Natural History Museum in Morro Bay and Circle of Friends. She produced two film shorts on Mneme Art Therapy which were screened at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. Celia co-founded the local nonprofit environmental organization Ecologistics, Inc. and the Blue C Community Garden in Los Osos. Celia is survived by her children, Dorian Mingus Zaentz, Josh Zaentz, Athena Zaentz and Jonnie Zaentz; and seven grandchildren. An avid reader, music lover, gardener and film critic, Celia's wisdom, sharp commentary, and ever-present laughter will be missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ecologistics, Inc. or to your favorite charity in her honor. Sign her guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries

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

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Nov. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Celia Zaentz

16 Entries

Valerie Gemanis

October 31, 2024

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.

Carol Williams

October 31, 2023

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 brief, but unforgettable.
I want to add that i am glad she didn't have to witness the demise of her
first born son, Dorian. That was a tragedy that will not long be forgotten.
He truly was a very special and unique man.

Carol Williams

August 31, 2021

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 mythical Carol". My head spun. And before i even paused, came the response... "Ah... the mythical Celia". what a moment. I am so grateful to have gazed into those eyes, and felt the energies of this more-than-interesting woman who had lived such a life, and birthed this deep and complicated man who i knew so well... Dorian was much of her, i am sure, and i am still deciphoring which was whom. Dorian tragically passed away in a highway crash, and i am forever impacted by his love and friendship, and the convoluted wonder of him, and of Celia, Mingus and Saul. So many stories... still unwinding them in my mind.

Fred

August 28, 2020

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.

Valerie Gemanis

October 31, 2019

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

Elaine Trotter

December 20, 2017

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.

Always laughing!

Valerie Gemanis

November 29, 2016

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 was like a retreat for me, and I was so fortunate to be able to visit here there drinking wine and saving the world while having a soak in her hot tub. She lived with me on and off in Fresno for 3 months in about 1995, so she could learn how to teach the Nurturing Parenting Programs. And the travel!!! To name a few destinations: Australia, Egypt (as the Gulf War began and we had trouble getting home!), we camped across Canada (I hated camping but didn't want to miss out on a trip with her!), Spain, New Orleans, and our wonderful family reunions in Mexico, Hawaii, San Diego, San Antonio, and others. She was my rock and my go-to person if I had anything complicated or touchy happening that I needed to talk about. Most of the time, we had the same world view or the same take on a situation. Celia was my soul mate and my rock in this world. I could not have asked for a better one. Thank you, dear Aunt and friend. I think of you every day with both tears and laughter.

Gene Santoro

November 22, 2016

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.

janesa kruse

November 14, 2016

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. janesa kruse

Briony Jones

November 11, 2016

A good friend and shining human being. Wonderful warmth and sense of humour and generosity of mind and spirit. Advice, recommendations and recipes all remembered and time spent together in England and California truly treasured.

'The drivers on the bus into the city from Vancouver airport are angels -they seem as if from another planet"

"Do not wear a silk jumpsuit however fetching on a transatlantic flight"

She made friends with my then nine year old son Sam on a visit to Hampton Court (exchanging jokes on the bus) and was interested and approving of his volunteer efforts in France serving 1000 plus meals a day (www.RefugeeCommunityKitchen.com)some 35 years later.

She became friends with my loved friend Karen Kruse from Portland now also not on earth and I like to thnk they may have the ketle on for tea when it is my time to join them.

In the meantime I offer a cup of tea or more to any friend of Celia's passing through London England and my heartfelt sympathy to her beloved family and friends.
No time limit ....

November 11, 2016

Celia was one of the most inspiring and amazing women I ever met. Her energy in her late 80's was to be admired. I loved the times I got to hang with her, at Oscar night at her house, at Bioneers conferences in San Luis Obispo and a few special dinners with her family. She will be missed greatly. Love to all her family that will miss her the most.

Anna Felton

November 9, 2016

Ah Celia - nearly thirty years ago she wanted to visit Ireland and a mutual friend put her in touch with us. She arrived into our family as if she had always been there. We had such fun together. She was one of the most remarkable people I have ever met and though I will miss her my memories of her are filled with fun and laughter.

Scott Porter

November 9, 2016

Celia, was a truly unique and fearless individual. She loved adventure and always enjoyed a challange. We used to share old comedy routines over e-mail and enjoyed what we each thought was funny. She was deeply concerned about the environment and cosistantly acted on her values for the betterment of others. All of these traits she passed to her children family members and friends. Her son Dorian is the most naturally talented man I have ever met. Her sons Jonnie and Josh are both extraordinarly accomplished musicians and Her daughter Athena and niece Valerie have her incredible sense of adventure. The last time we spoke, Celia informed me that her time was short and she was absolutley ready.SD=he told me how thrilled she was to spend her last few months with her grandaugher Serena. Her passing was without a doubt, on her own terms and without fear. She was truly the same individual in life and in death. I'm thankful to have known her these last 25 years, and while I will miss her, a part of Celia will be with me until my time on this rock is done.

Susan Martinez

November 7, 2016

Marsha Forrest

November 7, 2016

Celia,

I still hear your laughter. You'll forever be in my heart.

Lorenzo DeStefano

November 7, 2016

Dear Celia, friend of more than 30 years, creative colleague, musical pioneer, loyal supporter, open-hearted woman of superb intelligence and humor. Will miss, most of all, your shining eyes and that childlike laugh of yours. Rest well, sweet visionary.

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