Hortencia Mammen

Hortencia Mammen, 59, passed away peacefully in her home in Rancho Santa Fe, California, on August 21, 2025. Born in Querétaro, Mexico, on May 17, 1966, she lived a life defined by creativity, resilience, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Hortencia cultivated a sense of grace and eloquence from her earliest years. At the age of four, she emigrated to the United States with her family, where she often served as a translator for them. When she returned to Mexico for her high school education, she was selected by her school principal to present flowers to the visiting President of Mexico—a testament to her charm and poise at such a formative stage in her life. She was devoted to her mother, Manuela López Sanchez, who preceded her in death and inspired Hortencia to strive to be the best version of herself. Her mother’s unconditional love inspired her as she navigated motherhood, the most meaningful role of her life.

After having her son, Aaron, Hortencia co-founded A.L.M. Consulting Engineers, and always insisted on working from home so she could be there as a mom. Likewise, when she had her daughter, Carina, seven years later, she continued to prioritize her motherly duties to provide a stable and nurturing home while managing the growth of the family business.

As a savvy entrepreneur, Hortencia shifted her focus to furthering her true passion for fashion and design. She opened a fashion boutique in Cardiff, California, featuring her brand, OOH Fashionista. She had a keen eye for style and detail, inspiring countless clients, many traveling from afar. Within a year of opening, she received accolades for her creativity and business acumen in making fashion available to everyone; every item in her boutique provided elegance at affordable prices for all to enjoy. She experienced the greatest of joys when coaching and inspiring her models, encouraging them to exude confidence and poise as they owned the runway.

Hortencia was introduced to Anza Mammen, whom she later referred to as her long-awaited soulmate. They wed in 2016 at the Meadows at Los Willows Wedding Estate, Fallbrook, California. They both believed that their union was sanctified by God, whose love and guidance they relied on through their years together. Hortencia welcomed Anza’s children, Sarah, Joshua, and Jacob, building a blended family with love, joy, and unwavering support. To all five children, she served as a guiding presence, offering encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Hortencia’s creativity extended beyond fashion into her homes, where she fulfilled her love for interior design. She transformed her living spaces into warm, welcoming havens, with exquisitely designed casitas to serve as sought-after retreats, earning her recognition as a premium host on Airbnb, VRBO, and TripAdvisor.

Soon before her passing, Hortencia reminded us that being a mother was the most fulfilling role that she played, more so than any business venture, despite their successes. Hortencia’s legacy is firmly established in living a life of generosity, creativity, passion, elegance, and relentless perseverance. She has instilled in her children these values and has inspired them to build on her legacy, carrying forward what she has taught them in their life pursuits. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and so many whose lives she has touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Hortencia Mammen to New Day Urban Ministries, supporting homeless families and children:

New Day Urban Ministries

http://newdayurbanministries.org/.giving

2459 Market St, San Diego, CA 92102

(619) 232-2753