Cecilia Rico Avila was born in Los Angeles, California on February 23, 1936. She went to her maker on November 4, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Paula Rico, her sister, Priscilla Raif, her daughter, Denise Martinez and son, Ronald Martinez.
Cecilia attended Our Lady of Lourdes Grammar School, Sacred Heart of Jesus High School and Mt. San Antonio College. She retired from VONS Companies in 1995 as Promotions and Advertising Manager. As Cecilia always stated, “I wore many hats.” She was noted for raising several million dollars for various philanthropic organizations and scholarships during her tenure at Vons (1979-1995).
Cecilia moved to Las Vegas and continued her philanthropic endeavors. She served on the President’s Board of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), but due to illness had to discontinue her participation on that board, which was a big part of her life.
Cecilia was extremely interested in minority education, and loved the fact that she was given the opportunity through her employment to contribute to the community.
Cecilia loved her family, her beloved friends and sorority sisters. She will miss them all.