The SCV signal sent me this proof of my mom's obit. I am so sad to see it for real. I'm not thrilled with the photo chosen but Erika assured me it was one of my mom's favorite of herself and that's all that matters. I had written something a lot longer but that was cost prohibitive. Also, Jim informed me that most of what I wrote belonged on a resume not an obituary. I simplified it. I wanted to write more personal stuff but kept it short and simple. I started crying when I got the proof, wishing it said more-- like the longer it is the more love involved? Nope just more expensive.
Here's the post in the Signal. Below is my original draft:
Ofelia (Cerda) Parris lost her long battle with cancer on September 7, 2020 and is finally at peace. She was born in El Paso, Texas to Emma and Jesus Cerda in 1947 and moved to Montebello, CA when she was in 6th grade. She married Jim Parris in 1965 and together they raised 2 children and celebrated over 52 years of marriage. As a young adult she worked as a cosmetologist, in Downey, CA. After moving to the Santa Clarita Valley in 1977, she worked for the Newhall School District as a teacher’s assistant, a special programs aide and Migrant Education liaison. In 1987 she was recruited by the county of Los Angeles to work at the Santa Clarita Service Center and continued to work for the county for over 25 years. In 1996 she became the Executive Director of the Alta Dena Service Center and in 2006 she was made the Antelope Valley Senior Center Director in Lancaster. During her tenure for LA County, she spent time working with the DA to get parents to pay child support, as a certified mediator and monitored domestic violence shelters as well. She retired at the end of 2012. In retirement she supported her husband’s work as a pastor, taught Sunday school, and gardened. Ofelia was preceded in death by her life partner and husband, Jim, and her parents, Emma and Jesus, and her older sister Gloria. She is survived by her children, Teresa Parris Ford (Madison, Wi) and James Parris (La Crescenta, CA); her six grandchildren, Erika Ford (Madison, Wi), Jessika Ford (Norfolk, VA), Monika Ford (Vanderbuilt, MI), Emma Parris (La Crescenta, CA), Ian Parris (La Crescenta, CA), Ella Parris (La Crescenta, CA) and her sister, Bertha Red (Whittier, CA). At her request, there will not be any funeral services.
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