Obituary of Alma Dena Aguilar

A life well lived ended unexpectedly on Thursday, June 10, 2021.  Alma Dena Aguilar’s death was preceded less than two weeks by that of her mother, Evangelina “Emma” Licon Aguilar.  Her father Carlos Roberto Aguilar (2004), and older brother Raymond Hernandez (2021) also precede Alma in death.  Alma had the incredible ability to connect, comfort, and love even the newest acquaintances, which makes her loss deeply felt by many. 

 

Alma is survived by 7 siblings: Concepcion Aguilar, Gelina Gile (Gerry), Sylvia Rivera (Randy), Delia Gonzales (Rolando), Yolanda Stahl (Curtiss), Victoria Culbertson (Olen), Raul Aguilar (Kim).  She is also survived by her 3 sons; David Aguilar Garcia (Tara), Anthony Aguilar Garcia (Hilary), Steven Aguilar Garcia (Sarah); and 3 grandsons, Ethan, Oren, and Mateo.

 

Born in Los Angeles on August 1, 1954, Alma’s family settled in Monterey County in 1968.  After graduating from Gonzales High School in 1972, Alma furthered her education, obtaining an Associate’s Degree from Hartnell College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from San Francisco State.  As she settled down to start a family, Alma began a career at then Pacific Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator, retiring from AT&T in 2014 after 35 years of dedicated service.

 

After retirement Alma settled into her community in Pittsburg, CA, where she befriended locals at Steeltown Coffee & Tea. Many of her adventures included friends from this community.  She also enjoyed scrapbooking, stained glass work, traveling, and arranging flowers for her loved ones and events.

 

Alma’s universe of friends and family was ever growing and lacked limits.  It was always “the more, the merrier,” which she backed up with genuine sincerity.  She loved to hear a good story and would light up with anticipation and joy as she listened.  Alma’s spirit rooted for everyone to win.  Every “hello” and “goodbye” was met with a hug.

 

A private funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday June 26th at Healey Mortuary, 405 N Sanborn Road in Salinas.

 

Open to all will be a short graveside service held at Gonzales Cemetery around 12:30 p.m. on the same day. Followed by a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Post 81, 419 5th St, Gonzales.

 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Food Bank of Contra Costa - https://give.foodbankccs.org/give/190501/#!/donation/checkout

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