Diana Maria Loayza

Diana Maria Loayza, 60, of Downey, California passed away peacefully on July 12th, 2023. She was born on April 18th, 1963 at White Memorial Hospital in East Los Angeles. She attended Selby Grove Elementary, San Gabriel Academy, CACH in Chile, Warren High School ('80), and Cerritos College. Diana returned to Chile in 1980 to study tourism and taught English for five years. She returned home to Downey in 1989 to work for FedEx. In 1998, Diana accepted a position as a librarian in the music department at Cerritos College.

Diana was musically gifted and at age 4, began her musical journey where she learned to play the piano. Every few years, Diana added another instrument to master. By the time Diana was 7, the family started traveling around California for musical performances. Diana was also in the Warren High marching band for the two years she attended. As an adult, Diana played numerous instruments including the piano, violin, clarinet, bass clarinet, French horn, and Alto-tenor-bass-contra and bass saxophones. She shared her love of music in many ways. Diana played in the pep band, concert band, and orchestra at Cerritos College for the last 25 years. Diana also enjoyed playing the violin with a quartet at small gatherings, events, and special occasions. During the years Diana worked at Cerritos College, she befriended and mentored many students . And when they returned to visit her, she was always excited to hear about their accomplishments and their lives.

Nana, as she was called by those who loved her dearly, had an extensive Winnie-the-Pooh collection and enjoyed crocheting, especially beautiful blanket sets for newborns. Diana was also the unofficial family historian and loved to travel. 

Diana is survived by her parents Humberto and Maria Loayza and her siblings: Irenne, Ana, Didi, Humberto and Miguel. Also, many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Her beloved dogs Loki and Biscuit miss her terribly.

A celebration of Diana's life will be held at White Emerson Mortuary in Whittier on Monday, July 24th, 2023, at 5pm.