Obituary of Elizabeth Mijares Zieber

Elizabeth Zieber died peacefully at home early Monday morning, 7/23/2012 from lung cancer. 'Liz', a fourth generation Santa Cruz native, was born May 18, 1922 as the eldest daughter of Amelia (Peggy) Maciel and Loyd Zieber, and granddaughter of Antonio Maciel & Christine Werner, both early pioneers in the Santa Cruz area. Liz graduated from Holy Cross HS, attended San Jose State, as well as Fordham University in NYC. Liz married Paul Mijares in 1940, and though the family resided in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz & San Jose areas, all three sons were born in Santa Cruz. Liz returned to Santa Cruz as a single mom in the early 1960's, working in the food processing industry for many years and real estate. Upon "retiring", she worked for over thirteen years at the Parenting Center, bringing her enthusiasm for computers to updating its office. The Mijares boys were as different as Liz's interests, but they all brought joy and opportunities for growth into her life. She welcomed her eldest son's wife warmly into the family in 1996. The love of family was foremost. Liz was always active, traveling to the Holy Land and twice to the British Isles in her golden years. Liz had a gratitude for life and God, and displayed it in her actions through service to others: as a Eucharistic minister at Dominican Hospital; serving in Parlor #26 of the Native Daughters of the Golden West, whose mission is the preservation of the California missions; serving on the NAMI Board, to better serve the mental & emotional challenged citizens of Santa Cruz area; a member of the Young Ladies Institute, a faith based study group serving the needs of the community. She was a faithful member & participant at Our Lady of the Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Liz was a friend of Bill W.'s for over forty years, and participated in H&I service those early years. In her ninety years of living, Liz marched many times over the years for animal protection, world peace, and women's rights. She was often seen with signs at the clock tower for these causes, spreading information and enthusiasm, and frequently with a canine friend. Donations to any of these causes or organizations may be made in her memory. Liz Zieber was a joyful lady, sharing laughs and food and roses with all. Mama Liz has transitioned onward, in faith and in love. Liz has joined her parents and her brother Lloyd. Her memory is alive in her sister Pat and husband Jim Hope of Hawaii; her brother Jerry and wife Marge of Turlock, CA; son Paul & wife Zasu of Galveston, TX, son Mark Mijares of Cambria, CA, son Wesley Mijares of Santa Cruz, and many loved nieces and nephews, friends and family near and far. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday July 31, 2012 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church (515 Frederick Street, Santa Cruz Ca 95062) beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will be private at Holy Cross Cemetery.