Celia Armendariz

‘Loving Mother’

There was never any doubt about Mom’s love for her family. It was not through words but through gentle gestures of hugs, smiles, a strong quiet presence, and a loving “mija’ or “mijo” that she shared unconditional love. It was no surprise that friends, neighbors, or whomever was in her presence felt the same love emanating from her.

And that sense of unconditional love extended to her gift of cooking for others, her talent for sewing, and her passion for gardening … all which gave her so much satisfaction and joy.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren called her “Wita” – a nickname they adopted very young …. easier to pronounce than ‘abuelita.’ She lovingly created baby quilts and graduation quilts for her grandchildren just as she had done for her own adult children as we married and started new lives. We cherished our quilts, knowing that her love and joy for family were sewn into each and every stitch.

She has left a large void in our hearts but slowly loving memories and her gentle spirit will help us heal so that we can celebrate the extraordinary mother, grandmother, and friend she was and will forever be in our lives.

Celia Castaneda de Armendariz, born January 19, 1937, passed on April 9, 2026, at the age of 89.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, in the Chapel of Roses, on May 15, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Glen Abbey Memorial Park on May 15, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

NO LLORES SI ME AMAS

No llores si me amas...

Si conocieras el don de Dios

y lo que es el cielo...

Si pudieras oír el cántico de los ángeles

y verme en medio de ellos...

Si pudieras ver desarrollarse ante tus ojos

los horizontes, los campos

y los nuevos senderos que atravieso.

Si por un instante pudieras contemplar como yo

la belleza ante la cual las bellezas palidecen...

!Cómo!... ¿tú me has visto, me has amado

en el país de las sombras

y no te resignas a verme y a amarme

en el país de las inmutables realidades?

Créeme. Cuando la muerte venga

a romper tus ligaduras

como ha roto las que a mí me encadenaban,

cuando llegue el día que Dios ha fijado

y conoce, y tu alma venga a este cielo

en el que te ha precedido la mía...

Este día volverás a verme.

Sentirás que te sigo amando, que te amé.

y encontrarás mi corazón

con todas sus ternuras purificadas.

Volverás a verme en transfiguración,

en éxtasis feliz.

Ya no esperando la muerte,

si no avanzando contigo,

que te llevaré de la mano

por los senderos nuevos de luz y de vida

Enjuga tu llanto y no llores si me amas.