Alicia Julia Guardado passed away on July 19, 2018, in San Francisco, California, after complications with various chronic medical conditions. Alicia was 41.

She is survived by her children, Victor Guzman and Adrianna Guardado; beloved pets, Bella, Jamal and Mistie; mother, Ada Fogal; and siblings, Laticia Guardado, Ada Guardado, Kenneth Guardado, Vanessa Guardado and Georgina Marie Guardado.

While she left this life nearly a year ago, an obituary was not written until just recently due to the shock of her sudden loss of life and the need for her family to process this loss.

Alicia was loved dearly and deeply by her friends, family and nursing colleagues. She was a graduate from the Mendocino College Nursing Program and worked as a Registered Nurse at the Adventist Health Clearlake Hospital, a position she worked so passionately for until she was no longer physically able to.

Alicia’s main lot in life was to provide for and support her children yet she also supported many children in the community by volunteering for the local 4-H program, and working for the Lake County Big Brother Big Sister program for many years, acting as a friend and mentor to many foster youth.

Alicia lived her life with a positive and free-spirited mentality, always ready to venture to new places, drive to Tahoe for snow, road trip to the beach, or enjoy time at home watching movies, sewing, reading and playing sudoku.

Alicia was a devoted and loving mother, her children being the main love and focus in life. As a mother she provided unconditional love, support and humor to her children. As a daughter, she provided love, honesty and sanctuary for her mother. As a sister, she was a best friend, a second mother, a role model and a critical figure of support no matter what the crisis or situation was. She was always there for her siblings without judgment and without any expectations of gaining anything in return.

Her home was a safe haven for many, whether family or friends or neighborhood animals who needed comfort and shelter. All who know Alicia can offer testament to how she always put the needs of others before her own. We who know her personally have and can learn to cherish this life, act with kindness, and live by her example, no matter the hardships nor illnesses we may experience. We share gratitude in being able to share this life with Alicia and will continue living on, with, and for her.

A memorial to celebrate her life is planned for Friday, July 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Lake County Fairgrounds Junior Building, 401 Martin St. in Lakeport.

The celebration will include a potluck and all friends, family, acquaintances and colleagues of Alicia’s are welcome.

Attendees are encouraged to bring flowers, photos, or keepsakes in honor of Alicia and to add to alters that will be created at the memorial.