Our most beloved Cecilia Tompoles was welcomed into her rest by her Savior, Jesus on Saturday, August 28, 2021. For some, that is an overused euphemism for death. For Cecilia, it is the reality of a life surrendered to her Lord, lived well in sacrificial service of Him, and that continues in His presence. For all those who grieve this tremendous loss, take heart. Those of us who have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior will see her soon and the loss, while painful, is temporary. Her family and friends know this full well, as it was her mission to live out the gospel, that others might know her Savior as she did.
Cecilia was born to Arturo Sanchez and Maria Elena Reyes Sanchez on May 20, 1948. She was loved deeply by her parents, her grandparents Guadalupe (Cita) and Miguel (Tata) Reyes, and her extended family that included her Tia Lupe and many more. She spoke endearingly of her days in their store, “Reyes Market” and the love of her baby brothers, Mike and Paul, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. “Chila”, as she was affectionately called, enjoyed visits to Manadero and her time in San Fernando at a girls’ boarding school.
For almost the entirety of her 73 years, she graced the city of Santa Ana with her infectious smile, servant’s heart, and huge capacity for love. She graduated from Santa Ana High School in 1966 and soon married Jess J. Araujo, a young marine from El Paso Texas. During their 20-year marriage, they lovingly raised their blessed children Jesse and Tina. Truly, no two people have been loved more completely throughout their lives, than these two. She continued all the days of her life to nurture and support enthusiastically all God had made them to be.
“Chila” worked as a teacher’s aid when her children began pre school and then for the Santa Ana Unified School District for the next 28 years as a teacher’s assistant, health clerk, office manager of various elementary schools, and then as an Administrator in the Purchasing Department. She continued to serve as a substitute for many years following her retirement in 2003. She made many friends and impacted those she met with her work ethic, tender heart, and lovingkindness. It was in her position at the Purchasing Dept. that she met the love of her life Rory G. Tompoles in 1988.
Rory loved her children exceedingly well and his “Honey” lacked for nothing as she spoiled him with love, and he adored and protected her. They traveled near and far, enjoyed the company of friends, and basked in their love for each other. Together, this family, of which she served proudly as the matriarch, enjoyed Disneyland trips, concerts, travels, dancing, parties, and holidays; Christmas, Easter, 4th of July and birthdays that lasted a month! Mom, Nana, Honey, Friend. She was a huge gift giver who met the needs and wants of all those blessed to know her. Her family received the biggest blessings of them all. She led everyone into celebration and embraced all things good.
“All things good” included service to Cecilia. She served as President for the Santa Ana Emblem Club, a responsibility and privilege to which she devoted much time and heart. She then served as chaplain until the time the Lord took her home. She took seriously the role of sharing God’s word and living out the gospel to others. She loved that the fruit of the work was blessing the community around her. Cecilia served humbly, without need for acknowledgment. She loved countless people in the everyday, listening, showing up for the smallest and biggest of occasions. Her calendar was filled with meeting the needs of others.
Her heart for abused and neglected children compelled her to spend a major part of her last 20 years or so serving at Julian Oaks with her daughter, son in law, grandchildren, and great granddaughter. While she never much enjoyed cooking, she saw the need and quickly became the cook for every winter and summer camp and every event in between. She endured intense heat in that tiny kitchen for four summer camps a year and frigid Julian temps during the six or so winter camps each season. She didn’t miss a training or an opportunity to greet everyone with her warm smile and offer a prayer for those in need of comfort. Cecilia was the first in the front row at every worship service. She had hands lifted high and tears of gratitude for her God who loved, forgave, redeemed, and blessed. She was the one praying quietly in support of all that was happening. She bought gifts for campers, extra food, anything that would be a blessing. She held up her daughter’s hands as she loved the work God was doing. At every event, speaking engagement, or bible study, via zoom or in person, Mom was there. It turns out she had been the strongest woman of faith after all.
Cecilia lived fearlessly. She determined to serve God regardless of circumstance or danger. She was confident that the Lord had always known the number of her days and she vowed to walk humbly without fear, serving Him until her time on this side of eternity had passed. She accomplished that. Even in the face of death, Mom, comforted us. “This is Plan A for me.” She continues to teach us what it is to follow hard after Jesus, trusting Him in all things. She now sees the goodness of God in its fullness, her reward for a life of faithful service to the King.
Those left to continue the journey are her husband, Rory G. Tompoles; her son, Jesse Araujo Jr, his wife Patty and their daughter Rebekah; her daughter Tina Massa, her son in law Anthony and their children Cecilia, Samantha, and Nicholas along with his wife Danae, their daughter Addy and another one very soon to arrive; her brother Mike Sanchez (Barbara Sanchez); her Tia Lupe Gonzales; cousins Oscar (Luisa, Christian, Melissa) and Gil Gonzales, along with countless more cousins. The dearest of those with whom she reunited with in Paradise are her mom, Maria Elena Reyes Banda, Guadalupe (Cita) and Miguel (Tata) Reyes, Marilynn and Maudellyn Tompoles, Darvin Massa, and her precious grandson David Araujo.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us
an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Cor. 4:17
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