Celia Virginia Mariscal

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Celia Virginia Mariscal, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, beloved sister, dear friend and accomplished Physician’s Assistant. Celia unexpectedly passed away of a heart condition on August 12, 2023. 

Celia was born on September 8, 1955 in Tijuana, Mexico, after her family moved from Guadalajara, Jalisco. From a young age, her intelligence, kind spirit and curiosity drew her toward practicing medicine. She went on to earn a bachelors of Biology from the UC San Diego Revelle College in 1978, becoming the first in her family to attend and graduate university. As a student, she worked to improve the health of migrant farm workers in the Central Valley. Celia graduated from the USC Physician’s Assistant program in 1995. Her passion for medicine was evident in the countless lives she touched throughout her 20+ years of service at Kaiser Permanente. 

Her passions were as diverse as they were inspiring. She loved traveling with her family, hosting gatherings at her home, she hiked to the basin and back of the Grand Canyon and loved her walks around San Diego. An avid gardener, Celia found solace in tending to her garden, cultivating vibrant blooms that mirrored the beauty she brought to the world. 

Celia's memory will be forever cherished by her two daughters, Lauren and Adrienne Rodriguez, her sons-in-law Naoise and Jacob, her grandchildren, Diego and Sofia, her extended family members and a multitude of friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and a profound sense of community. 

May her legacy serve as a guiding light, inspiring us to live with the same grace, compassion, and unwavering love that she exemplified throughout her remarkable life. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.  

In celebration of her life, a memorial service will be held at 10AM on 15th September at the Immaculate Conception Church in Old Town. A reception will follow at the Bali Hai Restaurant in Shelter Island.