Celia Maravilla

Celia Maravilla, 95, loving mother, sister and friend, passed away February 4, 2022, in Lakewood, Colorado. She was born in Pueblo, Colorado, on January 31, 1927, the fifth child of Felipe Diaz and Micaela Lozoya de Diaz. She grew up in the Salt Creek neighborhood and graduated from Central High School. Later in life she attended Pueblo Community College and was extremely proud of her education.

Known as “Pepsi” for her boundless energy to her many friends and large family, she had a reputation for generosity, competitive spirit, quick wit and a keen sense of humor. She enjoyed dancing, all kinds of sports and music. A devout Catholic, she was a longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Church, beginning with baptism, and she enjoyed serving in the Nocturnal Adoration Society and the Legion of Mary.

Celia made friends easily and everywhere. It never took long for her to consider someone as part of her family and to take someone under her wing. She served as a mentor/mom to many of her nieces and nephews, as well as countless other neighbors, friends, and caregivers. If asked, she imparted sage advice on life and love. She laughed freely and often, and was a strict but fair mom who let you get away with just enough until the hammer dropped. She encouraged every kid she met to strive to be a better person, explore their potential, and accomplish great things. Her joy, love, affection, and caring extended to acquaintances young and old; friends near and far; and to friendships then and now.

Celia was preceded in death by her parents Felipe and Micaela; siblings Carmen Anderson, Frances Montes, Phillip Diaz, Daniel Diaz, Nellie Lopez, Josephine Vaquera, and Socorro Gomes; and son, Carl Maravilla. She is survived by siblings Arthur Diaz, Mary Baca (Gilbert), Jose Roberto Diaz (Carol), and Vera Martin; former husband John Maravilla; children Lucille Maravilla (Jim Free), John Michael (Roberta), Ernest (Kathy), Thomas (Mike Meischke), Philip, and Michele White (John); son-in-law Henri Faucher; grandchildren Juan D. Maravilla, Francisco Maravilla, Jonathan Taylor, Lindsay Taylor (Oswaldo Saucedo), Benjamin Seestone, and Juan Carlos Vera; great grandchildren Gabriel Maravilla, Paige Taylor, Hope Taylor, Sierra Taylor, Tiffany Saucedo, Mia Saucedo, Aidan Saucedo; and great-great grandchildren Alexander Taylor and Aubrey Saucedo.

Services will be March 12 at Imperial Funeral Home in Pueblo. Rosary at 10:30, Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00.

Reception to follow, Olde Towne Carriage House, 102 S. Victoria Ave.