Sophia Mesa Cepeda

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Sophia - a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many.Sophia was born in San Diego, California, and raised in Santa Ana. She graduated from Los Amigos High School in Fountain Valley.

At age 28, she moved to Guam with her daughter Andrea, where she pursued her passion for nursing at the University of Guam. In 2000, she proudly earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was the first wound care certified nurse in Guam.

Sophia was one of the lead nurses who helped establish Health Services of the Pacific, together with 2 other nurses pioneering home health and hospice care on Guam. With compassion and quiet strength, she provided high-quality care, dignity, and comfort to patients where they needed it most - at home. She was truly an unsung hero.

In 2017, Sophia returned to California, where she continued her career in hospice nursing, most recently with Apreva Hospice. Her colleagues admired her calm presence, describing her as the one who could bring peace and clarity to any tense situation. Sophia's legacy lives on in the countless patients she comforted, the families she supported, and the many nurses she mentored. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, tireless dedication, and profound impact on the nursing profession.

In 2013, Sophia met James R. Cepeda, and they were married on May 9, 2017. As a wife and stepmother, she poured her heart into her family, leaving behind bonds of deep love and devotion.

Beyond her career, Sophia's life was filled with passions that brought joy to those around her.

She was a gifted cook who delighted family and friends with her food, a lover of music with a

wide-ranging taste across decades, and an artist with an elegant sense of color and style.

She found serenity by the ocean - whether swimming, sitting on the beach, soaking in the sun and breeze, or barbecuing with loved ones. Above all, Sophia's greatest love was for her family.

She was giving, protective, and endlessly supportive. As a mother and grandmother, she guided and nurtured her daughter and granddaughters, shaping them into strong, beautiful young women.

As a wife and stepmother, she poured her heart into her family, leaving behind bonds of deep love and devotion. To measure the life of our Sophia is to see the love, joy, and care she gave so freely. Her presence enriched every life she touched, and her memory will live on in all of us forever.

She is Predeceased by her father and mother: *Rafael P. & *Esther E. Mesa, father & mother in-law: Jose & *Barbara Cepeda.

She will forever be missed by her spouse: James R. Cepeda; daughter: Andrea Nicole & (Robbie Rivera) Granddaughters: Tiana Nicole, Kyra Nicole and Leia Sophia Rivera. Stepchildren: Dominique Cepeda & Paul D. Calvo, Janelle C. & Greg Meza, James R. Cepeda Jr. & Shay Quitugua.

Step Granddaughters: Hannah Nicole Cepeda and Lyric Mariana Cepeda McJohn

Siblings: Marie & Art Mesa, Yolanda Smith, Rafael & Lupe Mesa, Rodrigo & Valerie Mesa, Vincent Mesa, Lisa Mesa & Carmen De Oro In-Laws: Joey & Dolores Cepeda, Janet & Elias Diaz, Marie B. & John Aguon, Thomas A. Cepeda, Vanessa C. Quitugua, Albert Cepeda, Sandrina Ann Cepeda Additionally survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Last respects will be held on October 5, 2025, from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm in the Chapel of Roses at Glen Abbey Memorial Park 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902. Reception to follow in the Orchid Pavilion at, Glen Abbey Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family would request for your donation towards https://www.gofundme.com/f/ead5nx-team-sophia