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Diana Wertz Obituary
July 1, 1947-June 7, 2013
Resident of Santa Cruz
Diana Lea Wertz, longtime Santa Cruz resident, nurturing mother, grandmother, friend, and educator, beloved former librarian at Gault Elementary School passed away on June 7, 2013. At 65 she left far too soon with many adventures uncompleted. Diana leaves behind a brother, son and grandson, along with an extended community of friends and colleagues.
Diana Wertz, a pillar of her community, was a passionate advocate for humanity and justice. She devoted her life to art, children, education, a love of books, spirituality, travel and the creative process. Diana was known as an educator who helped children find their voice and inspired in them a love of learning through literature and the imagination. Following her retirement, Diana suffered the loss of her husband and mother. Through it all she found peace and fulfillment with her beloveds, in her garden and in the making of art—including pottery, collage, photography, and sketching. As a result of extensive travel throughout Europe, the far east, and Mexico, she fed her love for the richness of this world and for the global community. She leaves us with these words, "I have had a good life." Her journey continues.
Donations in memory of Diana may be made to HOPE International: www.hope-international.com.
A memorial in her honor will be held on Monday, July 1 at 5:00 p.m. For details, please contact Diana's son, Jason Wertz [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Diana Wertz
Hannah Nevins
June 26, 2013
Diana - my earliest memories of you are your laugh, the shake of your gorgeous hair - always a kind heart. Miss you -
Laura Moses-Macy
June 19, 2013
Diana, you will be missed by so many. I am so thankful that I had a chance to know you. I loved how your smile would brighten up a room, how your laugh was so sincere and infectious. You have touched the lives of so many children and because of you, there are so many children and adults who love to read because you have introduced them to a good book. Thank you for giving me so many wonderful memories. Love, Laura Macy
leslie Hayes
June 19, 2013
Diana, I was once your honored secret pal at Gault one year. You will be missed by so many as you touched the hearts and souls of teachers, parents and children alike! Go with God. The world has lost such a good heart and resource! Love Leslie Hayes, APE Specialist
Naomi Fukuda
June 18, 2013
Diana, I think of you every time I read out loud - remembering being captivated your rich voice reading Chester's Way or The Talking Eggs. Thank you for so many warm hugs and welcoming us into your library with humor and acceptance.
You will be remembered dearly by all of us Gault kids.
with so much love,
Laura Peduto
June 17, 2013
How many thousands of hearts you have touched through your love of life, words, children and humanity. Your smile will made everyone feel like you were giving them a hug. Our lives have been made better just to know your gentle grace and hearty laughter. Your life's light will live in all our memories. We cherish your gifts.
Ward Smith
June 17, 2013
Diana, you are the model of what a true friend should be. I will miss that very much.
Paula Smith
June 17, 2013
Diana, I will always cherish our many long talks, sharing our thoughts and feelings about everything under the sun. I miss you.
Joyce Lund
June 17, 2013
A lovely person. I will miss you indeed.
Tony Augimeri
June 16, 2013
Dear Diana: What a huge empty space in our lives and hearts now that you've gone. Thank you for being the most wonderful colleague and friend for so many years.
Tony
Patrice Vecchione
June 16, 2013
I miss you, Diana. Grateful always for your sustaining friendship.
Sheila J. George
June 15, 2013
Our community has graduated a brilliant woman of heart and mind. Diana, you enrich my life ever since I set foot in your library. Many levels of peer support through many life passages. Love and prayers for your deeply loved son and grandson and brother and us! Breathtaking Beautiful Woman! Heartfelt loss! For now, we move in your wake.
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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