Lazaro Quijas Padilla

Lazaro Quijas Padilla was born to Benjamin and Maria Del Carmen Padilla on December 18, 1950 in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. Lazaro peacefully passed away of natural causes at his home in Santa Cruz, CA, on March 11, 2010 at the age of 59. Lazaro was born and raised in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico. Lazaro married Silvia Ivonne Oliva and were married for 27 years. Lazaro and Silvia moved to Santa Cruz, CA in 1976.

Lazaro worked at Campbell's Mushroom Farm and West Foods Mushroom Farm for several years. In 1988, Lazaro was hired by the Santa Cruz City Schools, where he worked as a custodian at Harbor High School until his passing. Lazaro enjoyed playing soccer, basketball, and enjoyed watching all sports on the weekends.

Lazaro loved his children and was very proud of them. Lazaro came to this country, worked very hard, and made endless sacrifices to be able to provide for his family. We will always love him, miss him, and have great memories of the time we spent with him. Lazaro's smiles, friendliness, and joking sense of humor will never be forgotten.

Lazaro enjoyed collecting currency from all over the world. Lazaro's hobbies consisted of collecting toys, hot wheels, and antiques. Lazaro loved all classic cars, but was particularly fond of Chevrolet's Camaro. Lazaro's favorite Mexican food and place ear was Taqueria Vallarta.

Lazaro is survived by his two sons, Freddy Padilla of Scotts Valley, and Josue Emmanuel Padilla of Leon Guanajuato, Mexico; his two daughters, Yvonne Padilla Martinez and Kimberlee Dahlia Padilla of Santa Cruz, CA. He also leaves his daughter in-law, Laura Padilla, and son in-law, Leo Martinez; three grandchildren, Leo"Chiquito" Martinez, Isabella "Kita" Padilla, and Freddy Camaro Padilla. Lazaro is also survived by his four sisters, Marcella , Lourdes, Guadalupe, and Carmen all of Leon Guanajuato, Mexico, and seven brothers; Rey, Chon, Jamis, Pepos, Juan Manuel, Carmelo, the late Lucio all residing in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico, and Chava of Santa Cruz.

A vigil prayer service followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, 95062 on Thursday evening, March 18th.

The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday March 19, 2010 at Holy Cross Catholic Church 126 High St. in Santa Cruz beginning at 10 a.m. A private burial will take place at a later date.

The family asks that any contributions be made in Lazaro's memory to Make a Wish Foundation 1 800 464-9474