Natalie Cruz Deniz
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Funeral information
Funeral Service: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 11:00 AM St. Joachim Catholic Church, Madera, CA Visitation: Monday, February 22, 2010 05:00PM to 07:00PM at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Madera, CA  Natalie Deniz Memorial TributeBiographyNatalie C. Deniz, age 68, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and a respected Madera educator, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 following a courageous battle with cancer. Natalie was born in Yancey, Texas, the daughter of Pedro and Susie Rodriguez. She moved to Madera as a child where she attended local schools, graduating with the Class of 1961 of Madera Union High School. Natalie later attended CSU Fresno where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1967. She also attended the University of Valencia in 1970. Natalie began her career in education in the Madera Schools as a kindergarten teacher in 1967 at The Dixieland Elementary School where she taught until 1972, followed by one year as a Migrant Education Resource Teacher. She taught at Washington Elementary for a year before moving into the area of counseling at Thomas Jefferson Junior High School from 1975 thru 1989. She concluded her years as a counselor at Madera Adult School, retiring in 2005. Her lasting impact on the lives of her students will remain as a legacy of her dedication to education in Madera. In addition to her professional career, Natalie shared her talents in many areas in the community. She was a long time member of the Association of Mexican American Educators, serving as President of the local chapter in 1976. From 1995 to 1997 she served with the Counselor Academy for Mastery. A devout Catholic, Natalie was an active member of St. Joachim's Parish in Madera, serving as President of the St. Joachim School Parents Club in 1982, a long time member of the Young Ladies Institute ( Y.L.I.) chapter of the parish, serving as President in 1977 and again in 1993-94. Natalie's concern for people led her to volunteer at the Holy Family Table which provides meals for the hungry. Her beautiful smile and sparkly eyes brightened the lives of those she met.Preceded in death by her father Pedro, Natalie is survived by her husband Johnny A. Deniz of Madera, her daughter Angela Deniz Arkills of Yakima, Washington, and her mother Susie Rodriguez of Madera. She is the sister of Irma Peralta and her husband Hank of Sacramento, Bernadette Gaeta of Madera, and Tammy Warde and her husband Randy of Madera. Visitation will be on Monday, February 22, 2010 from 5 to 7 PM followed by a Vigil Service at 7 PM at Jay Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 11 AM in St. Joachim Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions be sent to The Holy Family Table of St. Joachim's Parish, 401 West 5th Street, Madera, Ca. 93637. |
