Diogenia Ortiz Falche

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Diogenia Ortiz Falche. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Diogenia was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Diogenia was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

From the time she was born on April 6, 1918, Diogenia showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Diogenia came into this world at home in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. Her parents were Brijido Ortiz and Rosa Julia Ortiz. Diogenia was raised in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico.

Because fellowship was so important to her, Diogenia promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with three siblings. She had an older brother Tonio and two older sisters, Rosa and Hilda. Diogenia was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

As a young girl, Diogenia interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Diogenia had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. Diogenia took part in volleyball.

Diogenia's talents in writing proved to be an asset for her during her school years. She excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest her. Diogenia became known to her peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed her to build on her remarkable retention of general knowledge. She attended secretarial school but left to marry 6 weeks shy of graduation.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Diogenia was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer her group of friends. She was generally friendly to all who knew her, yet to some she seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Diogenia, they recognized that she could be full of surprises. Diogenia enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. She would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of her ability to read people, she had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of her best friends were Fife, Olga and Delia. Later in life, she became friends with Petra Rodriguez, Raquel Ortiz, Mary Urenia, Mrs. Garcia, Braulio and Virgie.

Diogenia was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. Diogenia exchanged wedding vows with Vicente A. Falche in Yauco, Puerto Rico.

All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Diogenia was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Diogenia was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Diogenia was blessed with five living children. Her first born was stillborn. She had four daugthers, Edda, Edmee, Eddeliz and Rosemarie and one son Robert. They were also blessed with twelve grandchildren, Michael, Lysette, Lisa, Gina, Robbie, Lori, Susie, Nicole, Jessica, Andrea, Kevin and Christopher.

Diogenia projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. Diogenia could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary occupation was housewife. For 18 years she worked alongside Dad in their Mom and Pop store.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Diogenia was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Diogenia took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. She made beautiful pieces of needlepoint. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Diogenia was one who put forth her best effort in every aspect of her life, and that carried over to her participation in sports as well. Her sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from her teammates. Diogenia was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she got the opportunity. Mom never missed watching a World Series Baseball game. Boxing, if there was a Puerto Rican boxer, she was there.

Because Diogenia was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, she was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. Her ability to encourage others, energize the group and her ability to solve all sorts of problems made her a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. She took an active role in her childrens education by being a member of the PTA.

Diogenia's attitude of working to make every day better was a way of life for her. It was a philosophy that she carried into her community activities and service. Politically, Diogenia was a Democrat since the Kennedy era.

Diogenia was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church for 40 years.

Diogenia possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included going to Las Vegas and the Indian Casinos.

As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Diogenia accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1976, and Diogenia was well prepared. Her new life involved spending time traveling, gambling, and babysitting the grandchildren. In retirement, she found new pleasure in going to stateline with the church parishoners, retirement club or her children.

Diogenia passed away on December 2, 2010 at home in West Covina, California. She is survived by her five children, twelve grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Diogenia was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Montebello, California.

Though she could be a private person at times, Diogenia was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Diogenia carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Diogenia Ortiz Falche shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Diogenia for the strength of her convictions.