Mary Cerna

Some people only walk this earth for a short time. Their departure reminds us that angels are watching over us. On September 26, 2023, Eliza Cerna rejoined her heavenly family and gained her wings. Mary Elizabeth “Eliza” Cerna was born in Warren, MN on June 5, 1962 to Rodolfo and Amelia Pruneda. Eliza attended Toppenish High School before receiving her BA from Heritage College and her Masters in Education from Eastern Washington University. It was at Toppenish High School where Eliza met the love of her life, Jim Cerna, in 1977. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married at St. Aloysius Catholic Church on September 5, 1981. Eliza and Jim couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. She and Jim loved attending the kids’ baseball, basketball, soccer, and softball games, faithfully traveling to watch the teams and supporting Kim and David in whatever sport was in season. Though Eliza loved being a mom, her favorite role was that of grandparent. Eliza treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being their Wita, never failing to make matching Christmas pajamas, beautiful quilts, or showering them with thoughtful gifts. Eliza had a soft spot for her furry friends, especially Bruno, who was treated like the valuable family member he is. Eliza was passionate about service and loved children, which was a large part of why she chose to become a teacher. Helping young people discover a passion for learning was her true joy in life. Eliza first began teaching as a Paraprofessional and was encouraged by teachers to get her degree in Education. Eliza taught for 26 years, alongside her beloved colleagues and friends. Although she was not able to teach for as long as she would have liked, Eliza always found ways to continue to support her students, teachers and parish through volunteering and leading community giving events. Eliza served for 25 Years on the Board of Directors for the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, most recently as the Vice President, actively volunteered as a teacher at the Zillah Catholic Church teaching CCD classes, and loved spending time at St. Vincent de Paul sewing for a cause. Eliza will always be remembered for her beautiful blue eyes, contagious smile, and her love of family, faith, and service. Eliza was always looking forward to her next adventure with family and friends, traveling to new places to learn about different cultures or designing her dream home. We couldn’t have asked for a better daughter, sister, wife, mother, or wita, and will miss Eliza every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved Eliza. Eliza was preceded in death by her mother, Amelia Pruneda. She is survived by her husband, Jim Cerna, daughter, Kimberly (Patrick) Connally, son, David (Kathryn) Cerna, her five grandchildren, Aydan, Drake, Jude, Reagan and Halle, her father, Rodolfo Pruneda, brothers, Roy (Sandy) Pruneda, Bobby (Tammy) Pruneda, Rudy (Camelia) Pruneda, sister, Sylvia (Jon) Nishi and numerous nieces and nephews. Eliza’s funeral will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. A viewing for immediate family will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 4pm, prior to the Rosary Ceremony at 6pm to remember Eliza. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mary Cerna, please visit our flower store.