Carla Ann Gomez

Carla Ann Gomez, 50, of La Mesa, CA, passed away on October 16, 2016, from complications due to leiomyosarcoma, a rare form of soft tissue cancer. Carla was a devoted friend and partner to husband, Peter Hickey. Carla is survived by her beloved brother, Victor Gomez, her nephew Tony Gomez and her niece Alyssa Gomez Hicks and husband Jonathan Hicks. She is also survived by her mother, Jennie Gomez, and her sister Danette Gomez, and her niece Alina Loonam. She had a deep love for her family, including her father Daniel Gomez, who passed away in 2007. Carla was very close to Peter's family including his sister Ann Myers, her husband Michael and their three children, Matthew, Damon and John. She took great joy in spending time with her family and she was extremely proud of her nieces and nephews.

Carla was born on February 21, 1966 in San Diego, CA. She attended Our Lady of Peace Academy and graduated from San Diego State University, earning a bachelor degree in communications. With a desire to help others, Carla began her professional career as a counselor for at-risk youths. After several years of service as a counselor, she worked as a labor representative for California Service Employees Association, where she had worked for the last 17 years. During her professional career, Carla was a dedicatee advocate for her clients and the union members of both SEIU and CSEA. She was a woman of great strength and courage who fought passionately for the rights of workers. Carla's intelligence, skill and hard work engendered the respect of her coworkers, many of whom became cherished friends.

Carla will be remembered for her generous spirit, warmth, compassion and sense of humor. She enjoyed traveling, playing poker and sharing a meal with her family and her many close friends. Carla was a great mom to her dog Fenway and she valued the time with her friends at the dog park. She brought love and laughter into the lives around her and she will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life Remembrance is Thursday, October 27th, anytime between 5 - 7 p.m. at Conrad Lemon Grove Mortuary. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, October 28th, 10 a.m. at St. John of the Cross Church, 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945.

Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.

Eternal rest grant unto Carla, O Lord.

And let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. Amen.

May her soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace. Amen.