Angelica Mendoza Medel

Angelica Mendoza Medel, otherwise known as Rica, Mom and Lola (grandmother in Tagalog), was a woman of extraordinary strength, fierce love, and generosity. She passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 10, 2026, at the age of 69 after a two year battle with a heart condition. She leaves behind a legacy built on resilience, sacrifice, and unconditional devotion to her family.

Born on August 30, 1956 in Mandaluyong, Philippines, “Ica” as she was called by her Nanay (mother), grew up with values that shaped her into a determined and resourceful woman. As a young mother, she graduated from St. Paul’s College Pasig with a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce—an achievement she carried with pride and used as a foundation for a life defined by hard work and perseverance. From a young age, she understood the importance of standing on one’s own feet by helping to sell fans in elementary school.

Rica was a strong-willed and fearless single mother—a title she carried with honor. Life did not come easily to her, but she met every challenge head-on. She wore her strength openly and unapologetically, believing that resilience was not optional, but necessary. Through every obstacle, her focus never wavered: her children came first.

Above all else, Rica loved her family. She proudly raised her children and provided all their needs and showed them the value of hard work and exemplified a giving heart. Her love extended effortlessly to her grandchildren, who brought her even more joy and pride.

Rica’s love language was food. Cooking was more than nourishment—it was how she showed care, how she celebrated, and how she connected with others. She was happiest in the kitchen, preparing meals like her famous mechado, okoy and paella. In her eyes, these dishes were meant to be shared. No one ever left her home hungry. Through home-cooked dishes offered without hesitation, Rica fed people with both her hands and her heart.

She taught by example, demonstrating that survival requires creativity, persistence, and courage. She believed that as long as one was willing to work and keep going, there was always a way forward. Her life story is a testament to perseverance, shaped by years of sacrifice and determination. She worked for years juggling two jobs with the Westin Hotel and the Northwest Airlines (later Delta Airlines). Even when she opted to work only for Northwest Airlines, it was still essentially two jobs because she picked up extra shifts. No one was happier than her to pick up an extra shift. She worked hard, ate, slept and happily provided for her family. She thoroughly enjoyed using her flight and hotel benefits to enjoy weeks long stays in the Philippines, notably in The Philippines Plaza, and flying first class to visit family.

Rica touched many lives—not through grand gestures, but through everyday acts. Friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances alike were drawn to her contagious energy, her bold spirit, and her strength. She was straightforward, practical, and deeply human—never perfect, but always giving her best.

She is survived by her beloved son, Ryan; her daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela and Joshua, and Pauleen and Carl; and her treasured grandchildren, Jordan, Alec, Jacob, Nathan, Phoebe, Emmaline, and Samuel. She is also survived by her brother and his family, Raymund, Olive, Miguel and Joyce; and niece to her sister, Anjuli.

Rica was preceded in death by her son, Patrick John “PJ”; her parents, Celia and Delfin Medel; her sister, Elvira Medel; and her grandson, Justin—all of whom she loved deeply and is now reunited with in eternal rest.

Angelica “Rica” Medel will be remembered for her fierce independence, her unshakable work ethic, her stubborn strength, and her enormous heart. Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the meals she shared, and the love she gave so freely.

Her life was not easy—but it was meaningful, full, and deeply loved.

And that love will continue, always.

A celebration of life will be held at Palm Mortuary Southwest in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM and at 3Crosses Church in Castro Valley, CA on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM.