Luz entered into sleep on Sept 26th, succumbing to heart failure or possibly a broken heart. Her husband of 56 years, Jorge, died earlier this month on September 10th. She suffered from diabetes and heart problems for many years.
She was born March 2, 1932 to Primitivo and Maria Ortega, in El Paso, Texas. She grew up in El Paso until her marriage to Jorge in 1950. They soon moved to San Juan Bautista, raising their family in San Benito County. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Jorge and Alma Villasana of Los Banos, Sally Villasana of Discovery Bay, Antonio and Lucy Del Valle of North Ft Myers, Florida, Michael and Cynthia Zabala of Moreno Valley, Anthony and Bernadette Villasana of Paradise. She was also survived by her brothers and their spouses, Primitivo and Tillie Ortega of Bakersfield, Roberto and Nellie Ortega of Gilroy, Armando Ortega of Sunnyvale.
She was loved dearly and will be missed by all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and many friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jorge, son, David Villasana, parents Primitivo and Maria Ortega, her sister Rosario Sharff.
She was educated in El Paso and she received her business degree there. Later she accomplished, at age 60, her bachelors in Elementary Education. Her specialty was English as a Second Language and Special Education. She taught in the San Juan Elementary School and after moving to Gilroy she was employed by the Gilroy School District and worked at Isidro Elementary. She substituted for a few years and did some social work until she retired. She enjoyed her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an expert craftsperson and seamstress, which were her hobbies.
Friends can pay their respects on Sunday, Oct. 1st from 12:00 noon until 9:00 PM at Black Cooper Sander Funeral Home. The Rosary will be at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
The Mass will be on Monday, Oct. 2nd at 10:00 AM at Mission San Juan Bautista. Friends can gather at the funeral home at 9:15 AM for a procession to the church. Interment will follow the Mass at San Juan District Cemetery.
