Alicia Muñoz

Alicia Munoz was 72 years young when she went to join the kingdom of God on Easter Sunday. She is preceded in death by her adoring husband Benjamin Munoz. Alicia “Mommy” dedicated her life to her family. She was a great cook who instilled in her children and grandchildren the value of strong traditions; from waking up to Easter egg hunts in the living room on Easter morning, to a great Lenten feast on Good Friday to tamales and buñuelos on Christmas and Menudo on New Year’s Day. Alicia adored her grandchildren and they adored her too. We gathered at her house every Sunday where she would cook a delicious meal to show her love. This last year she made sure we learned how to prepare all of her favorite recipes. It was important to her that her grandkids continue to enjoy her dishes. Alicia’s passion was her colorful garden where she would spend hours each day. She loved her plants and flowers and could grow anything. She had a relationship with each plant and knew exactly where and how she acquired each one. Although she lived alone, she would say her plants kept her company. Alicia was a strong woman who never hesitated in speaking her mind. Words were never left unsaid. She was strong spirited and taught us to not only do the right thing, but to do things right. She was resilient and taught us to bounce back from life’s setbacks, disappointments, and struggles, oftentimes with much needed tough love. She prayed for us and just knowing she was doing so, brought great comfort. She was a smart woman, who learned to understand and speak English after only a few years in this country. We were surprised as children when she pointed her finger at us and said suddenly, “I understand what you all are saying”. We were awestruck, and so proud. She loved us so deeply and showed us her love through action more than words. Our pain is great, but we are comforted in knowing that she continues to walk this path on earth alongside us. Alicia is survived by her children Benjamin Munoz Jr., daughter-in-law Yvette Munoz, Jo Yvonne Munoz-Silva, son-in-law Mariano Silva, Marlene Siebert and Claribel Munoz; her grandchildren, K.C. Munoz, Samantha Munoz, Klarissa Siebert, Melinda Siebert, Jeremiah Siebert, Sienna Cervantes, Melina Cervantes, Mariana Jo Silva, Benjamin Silva, Ellie Jo Silva; her sister Teresa Aldana and her brothers, Enrique Martinez, Juan Martinez, Domingo Martinez, and Jose Martinez. Everything we have and everything we are is because of “Mommy.”