Natalie Cruz Deniz

Funeral information

Home: Madera, CA Place of Birth: Yancey, TX
Date of Death: February 17, 2010 Birthdate: May 20, 1941
Age: 68

Service information: 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

Biography

Natalie 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.



Jay Chapel February 18, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.

Norman & Karen Ogletree February 18, 2010
So sorry to learn of Natalie passing, she had the most beautiful smile and was such a joy to be around. She will be missed by all of those who were blessed to have had her in their lives.

Mary King February 18, 2010
She always had that pretty smile when she met you anywhere. So sorry to hear of her passing and she was such a gracious, lovely lady I was honored to know.

Steve & Lezlie Gittings February 18, 2010
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS God looked around his garden and found an empty place. He than looked down upon his earth and saw your loving face. He saw your path was difficult, and he closed your weary eyes. He whispered to you “Peace Be Thine” and gave you wings to fly. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you on the day God called you home. It was a privilege to have known Natalie. Rest well in God's Garden Natalie.

Charlotte Lander February 18, 2010
Johnny, I am so sorry to hear of Natalie (Cruz). My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time and always. She was truly an awesome person and one that will be missed. In great remembrance, Charlotte (McCulley) Lander

Melonie Meisner-Lizak February 18, 2010
Johnny...I'm so sorry to hear of Natalie's passing. May a quite peace find you and Angela with time. Your treasured memories will one day be a source of joy. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in the days to come. Sincerely, Melonie Meisner-Lizak

J. Gary and Carol Ann Adams February 19, 2010
Dear Johnny and Angela... Our sincere condolences on the loss of Natalie. May our gracious God give you both his grace and peace as you face the days ahead. I'm so glad I gave her a hug when she was leaving St. Agnes...blessings.

Delia Aldma February 20, 2010
John ans Angela: Natalie will always be in our hearts. I'm so thankful to God that I had such a beautiful friend who often called me her sister. I'm very grateful for the time that God allowed me to be with her. I will miss her very much. My family and I loved her very much. She was unique, and a very beautiful person who loved the Lord with all her heart. We pray that God will comfort you and give you strength.

Roger and Laurel Belden February 20, 2010
Our sincere sympathy for your loss of Natalie. We first met Natalie when she was our oldest daughter, Melissa's kindergarten teacher at Dixieland Elem. Over the years whenever we saw Natalie she always asked how Melissa was doing. May you have many happy memories of your days with Natalie. Roger and Laurel Belden

Alex Garcia February 20, 2010
Natalie was a wonderful person who dedicated 38 years as a teacher and counselor to children and adults in the community of Madera. She was involved in many activities to help Mexican children through AMAE. I have many good memories of fundraisers and get togethers at her home.

Gialisa Gaffaney February 21, 2010
Mrs. Deniz always had a welcoming smile and warm laugh to share with those around her. As a college friend of Angela's, I always felt that she enjoyed our silly escapades, and laughed along with us. Warm, loving and with tremendous energy and spirit--that's how i will always think of Mrs Deniz. And she was lucky enough to give those same qualities to her daughter. What a blessing.

Kay Haworth February 22, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Nataie's passing. I knew Natalie through her work with the adult school and my work at Social Services as we served many of the same young families a few years ago. She was a joy to work with and had a passion for education. May God Bless you through this difficult time.

Laura Gonzalez February 22, 2010
Mrs.Deniz was a wonderful counsler and somebody you can go and talk to when we had problem in school. Natalie you will be deeply miss by your student of class of 1988. My condolences to the Deniz family

Betty DeVito February 22, 2010
Johnny and Angela, Natalie was a wonderful person. I will always remember her infectious smile and laugh. I'm so glad we all could be together in Tahoe last November. I wish I could be with the family at this time but know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Betty

Ken Turner February 22, 2010
John, All my best, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Kenny

Alex Garcia February 23, 2010
On behalf of the Association of Mexican American Educators (AMAE)I would like to let Natalie's family know how much AMAE appreciates the dedication and help Natalie gave towards AMAE. She was not only a founding member but also served as president, Vice-president and Treasurer. She also served on many committees and events. AMAE has grown and become an asset to the community in Madera because of people like Natalie. Madera AMAE Chapter President

Carmen Sauceda February 23, 2010
Johnny my prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you. Carmen Dr Walters's Nurse

Dianna Young March 2, 2010
Natalie was my counselor at TJ her very first year there. Even after that year, she always spoke and smiled whenever I would see her. She was wonderful person! My deepest condolences go to her family at this time. May God grant you His peace.

Susan De La Rosa March 2, 2010
To John and Angela,my deepest sympathy on the loss of Natalie. She was a good friend and mentor to me. I will always remember her smile whenever she ran into you. We can take comfort in knowing that she is at peace and with our Lord. God Bless you and your family. Until we meet again my dear friend.

Bertha March 11, 2010
The few times that I encountered Natalie, I always felt her welcome and her sweet heart. I feel blessed that I met her, I know now she is blissful heaven along side all the saints. I pray that our Lord bless her family and her closest friends with peace. Love Bertha