Alia Linda Ann Villanueva

Alia Linda Ann Villanueva departed this earth on Friday, June 2nd, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. Music, tears, laughter, prayers, and love cradled her as she peacefully transitioned at home. Alia is survived by her children, Juan Simental and Marcela Simental, two grandchildren, Malia Reyes and Oce Ortiz, siblings Dianne Olswang-Peck, Joanie Nesbitt, and David Villanueva, many nieces, nephews, extended family members and close friends who are grateful that Alia’s strength and resilience gifted them with many years of her presence, even after receiving a diagnosis of terminal brain cancer at age 40. Alia’s passing was preceded by that of her beloved mother and stepfather, Marcela and John Duggan, and also by her father and stepmother, Louis and Rochelle Villanueva. Alia will be remembered, not only as a teacher, but as a gifted guitarist, singer, poet and social activist who was dearly loved and brought joy and laughter into the lives of those who were blessed to have known her. Services will be held at Chapel of the Hills in Auburn, California at 11:30am on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 followed by a burial at New Auburn Cemetery at 1040 Collins Drive, Auburn, CA, 95603. Reception will be held at the Flower Farm in Loomis, California.