Merlita S Rich's Obituary
Merlita (May) Sarmiento Rich, 63, of University City in San Diego, passed away on August 26th, 2023, after a courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer.
Merlita was born in the province of Binalonan, Pangasinan in the Philippines on March 3, 1960, the cherished sixth child of Gonzalo Sarmiento and Gertrudes Cruz, who owned and operated small businesses in Olongapo. She graduated from Assumption High School of Pampanga in 1977. In 1981, Merlita emigrated to the United States and began the life she had always dreamed of. She became a naturalized U.S. citizen in May of 1987.
Merlita pursued a fulfilling career as a legal secretary for the City of San Diego, dedicating 31 years to her work and retiring in November of 2018. She was a professional par excellence and a beloved presence among her co-workers, many of whom became lifelong friends.
Family was central to Merlita’s life. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, and mother who loved nothing more than attending and—especially—hosting family events.
Merlita was an accomplished cook and an enthusiastic traveler, and in the last four years, a doting mother to her beagle Roxy. She was mindful of her health throughout her life and practiced hot yoga later in life. She was the standout dancer on any dancefloor that she stepped onto. Among her many talents was her knack for discovering hidden gems in consignment stores and swap meets, a testament to her unique and wonderful zest for life.
Merlita's memory will forever be intertwined with her passions, her love for family, her radiant and infectious smile, and her vibrant spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to have known her.
Merlita and Tom Rich married on May 26, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Tom; her son, Christopher Barnes of San Diego; her sisters Lalaine Escobedo of Sacramento, CA, Wennie Ballard of Lebanon, IN; Josie Hetzer of San Marcos, CA, Gemma Gallagher of Woodbridge, VA, and Edy Hipke of Blythe, CA; her brothers Rod Sarmiento, Jun Sarmiento, Fernando Sarmiento, Danilo Sarmiento, and Tony Sarmiento, all of San Diego; and her grandchildren Kaitlyn Medley, Ethan Medley, Hudson Barnes, Adaline Barnes, and Finley Barnes, all of San Diego.
Merlita is predeceased by her father, Gonazalo; her mother, Gertrudes; and her beloved daughter, Karen, who passed away in 2018 after her own battle with cancer.
Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, August 31st at Clairemont Mortuary in San Diego. A funeral mass will be held at Our Mother of Confidence Church in University City, San Diego at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 1st. Internment will immediately follow at El Camino Memorial Park in Sorrento Valley.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) or to Our Mother of Confidence Church.
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