Cecilia H. Zaragoza

Cecilia Herrera Zaragoza, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at her home in San Diego, California, surrounded by her loving family.

Cecilia was born November 22, 1927 in Rosebud, Texas. At a young age she lost both her parents and was raised by a distant relative. Because her family worked as itinerate farm hands and moved frequently, she received an education in hard work. She strongly believed in the power of her Catholic faith.

At age 21, after living in Ft. Worth, TX and learning carpentry skills assembling furniture, she relocated to San Diego. She quickly found employment in a factory where she was able to put her building skills to work but it meant working in a field dominated by men. Although small in stature, she was always physically strong, and with her natural intelligence and strong determination, she was an early pioneer in breaking the gender barrier and demonstrating that a women could do a “man’s job.”

She married, had three children, and after divorcing in 1956 devoted herself whole-heartedly to raising her 3 young children singlehandedly while continuing to work full time.

Cecilia was wise beyond her rural Texas primary education and particular adept at math. Her children fondly remember their mother allowing them each a turn at the weekly grocery shopping (Budget 101) and allowing them to keep any extra monies saved while ensuring food on the table for the week. Cecilia taught her children many valuable lessons – while at the same time making it fun for them.

At age 85, Cecilia was legally blind but proudly living independently, riding the bus to Target, Costco and church with ease. She attended the Braille Institute of America but in spite of her visual impairment became quite the card shark, enjoying playing endless rounds of Five Crowns with family and friends, and showing off her skill with numbers.

Cecilia will be very much missed by her children; Charles Zaragoza (Ed Sheppard) of Seattle, Washington, Yolanda Magley (Dan) of Dryden, Michigan, and Michael Zaragoza (Jan) of San Diego, the grand puppies (Molly and Gus) as well as lifelong friends, new friends from the Braille Institute, and neighbors. The family wishes to thank the wonderful team of healthcare professionals at Sharp Health Care.

A public viewing will be held Thursday, December 27th from 4:00p to 7:00p at Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary; 3655 5th Avenue, San Diego, 92103 – 619.295.2177. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery; family only.