Concepcion Rivera Diaz
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Our precious mother Concepcion Rivera Diaz went home to be with our Lord on December 11, 2020. Known to her friends as "Conchita" or "Connie" she was born to the union of Jesus Santana and Aurelia Rivera on April 10, 1925 in San Fransisco del Oro, Chihuahua Mexico. She was 95 years young.
The first of 11 children, our mother was forced to leave school at the age of 11 after her dad suddenly passed away. She helped supplement her mom's income by running errands for the neighbors, babysitting and working for her mom's cousin that owned a "tiendita"
Our mother grew up to be a strong minded woman and was fiercely independent. She was not afraid of hard work and overcame many obstacles throughout her life. Her perseverance was something to behold.
In 1945 she met the love of her life and together they raised 6 children. While living in Juarez and working in El Paso, our mother decided it was time for a better life. She immigrated her family in 1962 to Oxnard,CA. While we started our education our parents found themselves in a number of jobs that included working in the fields, packing houses, factories and for a short while even working for Oxnard's then Mayor, Jane Tolmach, many years ago.
Mom had many talents and favorite past times. She loved to cook, garden, listen to music and her favorite was the family gatherings. Her home was always open to family and friends and she enjoyed the visits. Throughout her life she made many friends and once a month she would get together with a number of them for a lady's luncheon that she enjoyed very much. She always looked forward to that event. Mom was a good friend to everyone. She was willing to help anyone that needed it and never too busy to listen. She was everything to her children, a great mom, a friend and a confidant. A fantastic grandma to her grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of many years, Jose M. Diaz. Her mother, Aurelia Rivera. Sisters, Atala Gonzalez (Carlos) and tia Lupe. Brothers, Jesus Santana and Juan de Dios Santana. Daughter, Norma Lamas and three sons-in-law, Gilbert Lamas, Fernando Barrera and Tony M. Torres Jr.
She is also survived by the rest of her brothers, Gonzalo, Jose,Victor, Roberto and Arturo. Three daughters, Angie Diaz, Erma Valdivia (Adrian) Arcie Diaz Torres. Two sons, Armando Diaz (Stella) and Jose M. Diaz (Laura) Mom leaves behind numerous nephews and nieces, 25 grandchildren 32 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
Mother we loved you in life and you blessed us with memories we will always cherish.
Due to Ventura County's COVID-19 guidelines, capacity is limited. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will begin at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Garcia Mortuary Chapel, 629 South A Street in Oxnard. Interment to follow at Santa Clara Cemetery, 2370 North H Street in Oxnard.
To sign the family's online guestbook, click on Concepcion's name located below "Obituaries" at www.garciamortuaryoxnard.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of GARCIA MORTUARY, 629 South A Street, Oxnard. For further information, please call (805)486-9148