Sarita ZELL

Sarita Diaz Zell May 23, 1922 ~ Oct. 28, 2010 Resident of Oakland Sarita passed away on October 28, 2010, in her home surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born in Pacoima, CA, lived briefly in Mexico and then came to live in the Bay Area as a young teenager. During World War II Sarita was a "Rosie the Riveter". She then worked for Kaiser Industries, where Henry Kaiser tipped his hat to her each morning. Sarita sold Avon door to door. She also worked at Kaiser Permanente as a receptionist for 22 years, retiring at age 72. Sarita returned to Kaiser as a translator for another 8 years. She loved helping the patients; it was her most gratifying work. She became a mother at age 20 and began a family that grew to 7 children. Her greatest joy and happiness were her children. They were her everything, and she worked so hard to give them a good life. She loved to spend time with her family. She found much happiness with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in watching them grow. Sarita loved to dance, sing and travel. Ireland was her favorite journey, because the people were so warm hearted. She loved to work in her garden and take care of her house. Reading a great book was always a joy. She carried her faith in God throughout her life. It was that faith that gave her strength. She leaves in this world her children Robert Zell, Amy Whitt, Saber Zell, Dannie Zell-Golding, Lisa Hemphill, Katherine Crosby and Joe Zell; sons-in-law Chris Hemphill, Peter Crosby and Dane Golding; daughters-in-law Donna Zell and Norma Zell; grandchildren Robert, Patrick, Jamie, Erik, Skyeler, Christopher, Sara, Haley, Alex, Nick, Joseph, Jessie; and many great-grand-children. She is survived by her sister Sobeida Gallegos and brother Francisco Diaz. She was such a loving mom, and we will miss her so very much. Services will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Oakland on November 12, 2010 at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to FACE, 2121 Harrison Avenue, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612.