Alicia Mejia Sanchez

Alicia Mejia Sanchez was born on August 1, 1935, in Jerico, Colombia, to Roberto and Leticia Sanchez. Fondly known as “Tata” to her 12 siblings and dozens of cousins, she embraced her role as the eldest with dedication and love.

As a teen, when her father’s business faced challenges, Alicia sacrificed her own education and started working at her dad’s store to help contribute to the household. A few years later, in 1957, Alicia moved to Medellin, and went to live with her grandmother to explore a job opportunity in “the city” as a switchboard operator at “Telecom” working 2nd shift from 6 pm to 2 am. Shortly thereafter, in 1958, she switched jobs to become an executive assistant at “La ANDI”, (Asociacion Nacional de Industriales de Colombia) and later promoted to an auxiliary bookkeeper. She then moved up to an auditor role for the “La National de Tabaco de Colombia”.

In 1959, Alicia's life was about to take a significant turn when she started dating Rafael Mejia. In 1960, Rafael left Medellin for Barranquilla to pursue a scholarship opportunity that he earned to learn a trade of being an airplane mechanic. Even through their long-distance courtship, their love endured. Rafael entrusted Alicia with his earnings, as she diligently saved for their future together with the goal of emigrating to the United States. In 1964, Rafael ventured to the US, laying the foundation for their new life. The following year, on February 18, 1965, Alicia and Rafael were united in marriage by proxy.

Leaving behind her homeland, career, and loved ones, Alicia embarked on a new chapter in Glendale, California. Together with Rafael, they built a community of friends who had also immigrated from Colombia, creating their own “colonia Colombiana” and chosen family. As she built her life in the US, Alicia continued to be a constant presence in her parents and siblings’ lives through correspondence, recordings on cassette tapes, and phone calls. She is described by her family as “a mother to all”: affectionate, strict, and dedicated.

In 1966, Alicia and Rafael moved to Long Beach and shortly afterwards, welcomed their first born Juan Rafael, and four years later, Marcela. Alicia embraced motherhood as her most cherished role. She was an example of strength, love, and stability. In 1974 the family moved to their forever home in Seal Beach where Diana was born and completed their family. There, Alicia created a household filled with warmth and security.

Alicia's talents extended beyond the walls of her home. A skilled chef and organizer, she delighted in hosting gatherings for friends and family, planning events with meticulous detail. Her commitment to community extended to volunteering as a lunch lady at St. Hedwig Elementary School for over 16 years.

In 1985, Alicia and Rafael took a leap of faith, and opened their own family-style restaurant, The Restaurant Next Door to the White House. For two decades, they poured their hearts into the business, leaving a lasting impact on their patrons and employees alike.

When Alicia became a grandmother, she took on a new role with boundless love and affection, and assumed a new nickname, “Lala.”  Alicia poured her heart into caring for her grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. As Lala, she continued her legacy of nurturing, always ensuring her grandchildren felt loved and treasured.

Alicia is preceded in death by her parents, sister Amparo, and brothers Fabio and Hernan. She is survived by her siblings Rocio, Consuelo, Roberto, Luz Helena, Eduardo, Jamie, Estela, Maria Angela, and Marta Ligia; her children Juan Rafael (Diana Carbajal), Marcela (Alvaro Martinez), and Diana (Derek Jones); and her eight grandchildren, Olivia, Andres, Erica, Nicolas, Nicolas Jennings, Diego, Juliana, and Malia.

Alicia's legacy of love, strength, and resilience will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory be a blessing to her family and all who were touched by her kindness.

🌺 In Loving Memory: In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association (link below) Your generosity will continue her legacy of compassion and caring.

Alzheimer's Association https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=875547

To watch Alicia's mass please go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGhe04-M6LY

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401