Lillie M. Casarez passed away peacefully with family at her side on January 12, 2012. Lillie lived her life fully to the age of 91.

Born May 25, 1920, on her parent's ranch located between Stockdale and Floresville, in Wilson County Texas. She was born to Federico and Clothilda (Romo) Garza. Lillie was baptized at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church Floresville, Texas. She grew up frequently visiting relatives between the small towns of Stockdale and Floresville.

In later years the Garza family move around the country finally settling in Blythe CA
It was in Blythe that she met and fell in love with Eddie Casarez. They married in March of 1945. Eddie already in the Army Air Corp was stationed in Florida where he worked on B-29 Bombers.

After the war, Lillie's parents and her younger siblings moved to Lompoc. Missing her family, Lillie and Eddie relocated to Lompoc. Lillie immediately adopted Lompoc as her new home where she was remained active within the La Purisima Catholic Church. She was involved with "Catholic Daughter" and "Guadelupanas" organizations. Eventually Lillie went to work for the Church for many years taking great pride in preparing meals for the Priests. Forming a life long bond with Father Fitzgerald. August 15, 1972, was a traumatic day for Lillie and her children. Her husband Eddie passed away after a lengthy illness. As the family matriarch, Lillie was loved by her children, as well as her brothers/sisters, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, neighbors and friends; and all enjoyed spending time with her.

Lillie was full of life, and ready to dance when music whenever there was music. She thoroughly enjoyed working in her garden and had many prized roses. She was happiest when surrounded by family, friends, and BBQ's.

Lillie was preceded in death by parents Federico (Fred) and Clothilda (Cleo) Garza, husband Eddie, son Manuel, siblings Marianne Garza, Adolf Garza, Fred Garza, Stella Baca, Olivia Guerrero and Sam Garza. She is survived by her children Edward Casarez, Rose Casarez-Roetman, Angie Estrada, Joe Casarez, Ernestine Davis, and Pat Casarez, brothers Rudy and Frank Garza, all her grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all the staff of the Lompoc Comprehensive Care Center for taking care of Lillie.

A visitation will be held at the Chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 from 4 to 7pm with the Vigil Service beginning at 5pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 10am at the Queen of Angels Catholic Church, followed by burial at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. www.starbucklind.com