Michelle C.L. Rico's Obituary
On Friday, November 3, 2023 my Mother, Michelle C. Rico was reunited with my father in heaven. When two people have a connection like my parents did, one can not live without the other one. When my father passed away one year and 8 months ago my Mom was heartbroken. My parents were best friends who met in high school and were married at 16 and 17 years old. Two kids who grew up together and spent more time together than they did with their parents. They had us three girls, Darcy Lopez ( Eddie Lopez), Celina Garcia (Jose Garcia) and Natalia Diaz (David Diaz). She leaves behind her 9 grandchildren Jorgito Rico, Eduardo Lopez, Celi Garcia, Solana Lopez, Luciana Garcia, Carmen Diaz, Valentina Garcia, Christabella Diaz and Graciela Diaz.
My Mother was a hell of a woman who was a survivor. She comes from a long line of strong, opinionated, independent women who have a heart of gold and will defend who they love with their everything. Grandma Celi and Aunt Meta were the two most important women in my Mom’s life. She is best known for her loud deep voice, strong bear hugs and always being in the kitchen. My Mom was an excellent cook and baker, she always believed in only the best for her family and everything was always homemade and from scratch. My Mother impacted many different people in many different ways. She passed on her strong faith in God to each one of us. My Mother’s most important role that she had in her life was raising her children. My Mom would tell us that when people saw us and how we were, that it is a reflection of our parents, and that it better be a good one. My Mother showed us her love by cooking and baking for us.
She believed in the power of prayer and in the importance of having a relationship with God. She was honest, sincere and non judgemental. She was strong in spirit and body. She believed in helping others and living her life the way that God wanted her too. God and family were always most important to her. She loved her dogs and throughout her life had many. She believed that her dogs were another member of the family.
My Mom did not like being the center of attention but was known for being a hard worker . She had a strong work ethnic. She gave her everything in everything that she did. She would always push herself and rarely put herself first. She was determined and when she set her mind on something, she did it.
She praised us, loved us and encouraged us. She was so proud of her daughters and how well we had all turned out. She loved seeing us and being around her grandchildren. She made each one of her grandchildren feel like they were her favorite. She enjoyed laughing and dancing to her favorite songs. She was young at heart and enjoyed having a good time. She was always surrounded by her family. She spent her days watching her Agatha Christie shows, making puzzles, taking care of her plants and spending time with her dog Dulce.
Even though it is hard to not have you here with us anymore, we know that you are happy again. My Mom lived her life the way that she wanted too. She chose not to repeat the cycle and she paved a new path for us to follow. She gave us the tools that we need to be successful and she will live on in each one of us. We were always #1 to her. You will always be with us, guiding and protecting us like you always have. I know that when Dad came for you, that you could walk away and leave us knowing that we would be okay. You are once again with the love of your life and all of our departed family. You finally put yourself first!! I know that the two of you are in un Rinconcito en el Cielo. Until we see you again, thank you for being you and thank God for choosing you to be our Mother.
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