Elizabeth Santillana Contla

Elizabeth Santillana Contla, 65, of Menifee California passed away at Temecula Valley Hospital on August, 13, 2021. Elizabeth was born in the Philippines on November 06, 1955, she was the eldest daughter of 11 siblings. She was married to the love of her life, Richard Ernest Contla, for 45 years.

Elizabeth was a hard worker and never gave up on her dream of becoming a registered nurse. She went back to school at Riverside Community College after having all four of her children, when her youngest was still in diapers. She worked hard at school while raising her children and taking care of her family and loving husband. She achieved her dream of becoming a registered nurse and was truly an inspiration to her family and those around her. Elizabeth became a “momma bear” for everyone she worked with at the County of Riverside, where she worked for nearly 26 years.

Elizabeth had a heart of gold and took care of everyone, she was selfless and so generous. She was the heart of her family and the center of their universe. She loved to shop for her family, and could not resist a good sale. Her favorite stores were JC Penney, SEARS, Mervyn's, Robinson's May and Montgomery Ward. She loved the casinos and you'd better watch out if you were on her favorite slot machine. She was a great cook, and she loved to cook for her family and friends. She always made sure everyone was fed and happy. Elizabeth loved to garden and plant trees: she could make a twig grow. She was very beautiful and had a wonderful singing voice, but was so modest and humble about it. At times she was very stubborn and would stand up for her family no matter what. She was so special and the best mom anyone could ever hope for. She was very proud of each of her children and any of their accomplishments. Over the years, she would hang up on her walls or show off on her shelves what seemed like all of their diplomas, certificates, buttons, art work and trophies. That was her true chosen theme for home décor. Elizabeth was such a thoughtful, caring, graceful, loving, funny, beautiful woman.

Elizabeth leaves behind her husband, Richard, her children: Cynthia, Richard Jr., Christopher and Jennifer and grandchildren: Autumn, Nathan, Sarah and Serene. She is also remembered by Janet Robertson, Shirley Lee, Thomas DeMierre, Jimmy DeMierre, Dennis DeMierre, John DeMierre, Freddie Anicker, and Ronald Anicker.