Janette Sparks

Janette Sparks was born on July 18, 1970, in Bakersfield, California, to Sabina Diaz and Gerald Sparks. She was the beloved middle child of seven siblings: Guadalupe Holguin, Teresa Diaz, Ana Diaz, Jose Diaz, Francisco Diaz, Louise Sparks, and James Sparks.

From a young age, Janette brought joy and laughter to her family—especially during her childhood days when she had a pet monkey named Fifi, who mischievously pulled everyone’s hair. That same joyful spirit stayed with Janette throughout her life.

In 1986, while in high school, Janette met her soulmate, Vicente Torres Carrillo. The two were inseparable from the start and later married in San Diego, California. Their union was blessed with four children: Cecilia, Vicente Jr., Maritza, and Jennifer Carrillo. Their love was made even stronger by the family they built together and the goals they accomplished side by side.

A proud graduate of Pima Medical Institute, Janette earned her degree as a veterinary assistant in 2007. She later became a medical assistant and was known for her caring heart, especially for animals and her beloved pet chihuahuas.

Janette was affectionately known as “Nana,” “Tia J,” “Sis,” and “Hermana.” She was a woman of deep love and endless patience, always guiding her children with compassion, wisdom, and strength. She taught them to persevere through difficult times, to value family above all, and to never give up.

She adored her grandchildren—Jason, Cecilia, Luna, Cesar, Adrian, and Ezikiel—and loved spending time with them at J Street Marina, watching sunsets, and enjoying lunch together. She was also fond of lowrider car shows, Xavier the X-Man’s Sunday Night Oldies on Magic 92.5, and capturing life’s moments through photos—especially of her dogs and beautiful skies.

Janette had a special bond with her lifelong best friend, Letty Huezo. From their high school days to motherhood, from laughter to tears, their friendship was filled with unforgettable memories, including bringing their dogs to the park and reminiscing about the good old days. No distance or time ever weakened their connection.

Her faith was quiet but deep—she believed in angels, and her favorite scripture was Luke 18:1: “Always pray and never give up.” She found comfort in words like Maya Angelou’s, “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.”

Janette’s final days were filled with love, surrounded by family. She held on for as long as she could, finding strength in the voices and presence of her grandchildren and siblings. She made sure to say her goodbyes and, true to her thoughtful nature, waited until her loved ones were asleep before departing peacefully.

She would want to say goodbye with these words:

“I love you and miss you. I’m sending you hugs. I will always be by your side and watching over you.”

Though her time with us was far too short, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. As her family says:

“Though our time together was shorter than we wished, we know we will see each other again. Until then, Mom, you are in our memory and hearts. We love and miss you already. May you rest in peace.”