Leatrice Cornelia Celaya

SANTAN - Leatrice Cornelia Celaya, 76, died on April 16, 2019.

Ms. Celaya was born on June 26, 1942, to Miles Terry and Alice Baptisto in Sacaton. Called Gram by her family, she was known as a beautiful spirit who loved teaching and learning. She was an intelligent and insightful person who was a teaching assistant for 30-plus years. She taught not only children at Sacaton Public Schools but also her family, and she loved teaching through games at family and church gatherings.

She had a beautiful voice and sang with various gospel choirs. She traveled all over the United States from coast to coast and Hawaii. She spoke, read and wrote the Akimel O'odham (Pima) language. Above all else her family was her first love. She always taught that "love" is an action word, and she showed that to her family daily.

Survivors include two adult children, Nada Celaya and Karin Celaya Jackson; two siblings, Irving Terry and Loretta Norris; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Derwin Stevens, and brothers and sisters.

Visitation beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, at the District 4 Service Center. Graveside service at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 22, at Santan Day School Cemetery.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.