Celia Arayata Gonzales passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2011, surrounded by her loving family. She fought a long and courageous battle against cancer, vowing to survive long enough to watch her grandchildren grow up.

She was born on June 20, 1934 in Tanza, Philippines, the third of seven children, and worked for many years as a grade school teacher. On December 8, 1962, she married Fulvio "Bing" Gonzales, a Navy seaman with whom she went on to raise two daughters and settle in San Juan Capistrano.

Celia's grandchildren will always have fond memories of visiting their lola, who would entertain them by baking, sewing and doing crafts with them. She was a woman of faith, being very active with her church, Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.

She is survived by her husband Fulvio, her daughters Faith Booth and Fanny Gonzales-Sprouse, son-in-laws Steven Booth and Jeffery Sprouse, grandchildren Katie, Christa, Hope, Scott, Josh, Ben and Joe. She is also survived by her siblings Romeo Arayata, Romualdo Arayata, Concepcion Arayata, Adelina Arayata, plus many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by brother Benjamin Arayata and sister Flordeliza Cenizal.