Elizabeth Ann Contreras

Elizabeth passed away peacefully with her devoted husband Phillip by her side on Wednesday October 18, 2023. A Memorial Gathering will be held for Elizabeth on Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at El Camino Memorial Park: 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA, 92121, as follows:

• 1pm: Viewing

• 2pm: Memorial Service (Chapel)

• 3pm: Grave-side service

• 3:30-5pm: Reception (at the Memorial Park)

Flowers or donations welcome. Please send flowers directly to El Camino Memorial Park by Thursday morning. Donations may be made to any Multiple Myeloma Research effort in Elizabeth’s memory,

Local Hotel accommodation: Residence Inn by Marriott Sorrento Mesa/Sorrento Valley

5995 Pacific Mesa Ct, San Diego, CA, 92121

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Contreras family.

More About Elizabeth's Life:

Elizabeth had courageously fought Multiple Myeloma for sixteen years with the support of a very talented team of physicians to help her navigate through this stage in her life. Elizabeth was a strong woman with a zest for life that was felt by all those who knew and cared for her. She always had a radiant smile for everyone that she came in contact with. Elizabeth was a supportive and loving wife as she took each day like it was the beginning of her life.

She was born on November 26, 1947 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Nellie and

Don Piper. She was the second child born in the family. She graduated from St. Agnes Academy, Indianapolis in 1965. Shortly after graduation she started working at the Indiana Bell Telephone Systems Inc.

In May of 1967 she met Phil Contreras and married him in December of that year. He was in the Army at the time and was sent overseas for fourteen months in March of 1968. She had to patiently wait until May 1969 to see him again. Once they reunited after his discharge from the military they decided to move to San Diego, California. Packing up what they could in the 67’ Buick Special they would begin a new and exciting chapter of their lives after their long journey to California.

Once settled in San Diego, Elizabeth was able to secure employment with The Bell Telephone Systems again. Phillip began his college studies in the fall of 1969 as Elizabeth worked at the telephone company. She loved her job but had to work varied shifts including weekends. Elizabeth was a friendly outgoing person who always made friends wherever she worked. Their children were born during this busy time; Jeff was born in 1971 and Julie in 1975. Her husband Phil graduated from college in 1974 and was finally able to secure employment in Indianapolis, Indiana of all places.

After moving back to Indiana, Elizabeth was able to work for AT&T. She was a manager of telephone acquisitions and systems and had various groups of employees working for her during her time at AT&T. While residing in Indiana her love of playing the card game Euchre grew. Living in Indiana allowed her to spend time with her extended family and friends making lasting memories. She was able to be with her mother (Nellie) when she passed away in March 1976.

In 1985 after 10 years of living in Indiana, she and her husband decided they were ready for move back to California. They yearned to embrace the “Life’s a Beach” attitude that they missed and started planning. Phil secured employment and Elizabeth decided to quit AT&T and take a year off while she looked for a job in San Diego.

She was an enthusiastic supporter of her children’s education, with Jeff graduating

from UC Berkeley in 1993, and Julie from UC San Diego in 1998. Their marriages were a special highlight for her as they both got married on the same day, with Jeff getting married at sunrise and Julie getting married at sunset on the Island of Oahu in 2007.

Elizabeth retired in 2012 after almost 20 years of working in the high-tech Industry. She worked over 40 years total in her life. She and her husband Phil celebrated their 50th anniversary with their family at Secret Cove (Pa’ako Beach) in Maui, Hawaii. They had a total of 55 years of wedded bliss as of 2023.

Elizabeth is survived by her Husband Phillip; Children: Jeffery (Jemma), Julie (Aaron) and three grandchildren: Emma, Zoe and JoJo. Also, her siblings; Carolyn, Stephen, and Charles.