Marcela Lucinda Grimaldo

August 27, 1937 - November 25, 2014

We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved mother, Marcela Grimaldo, died suddenly of a heart attack on November 25, 2014 in her home. She is survived and loved by her children, grandchildren, a brother, sister, and many relatives and friends.

Marcela was born in Panama to Luis and Serafina Grimaldo. She remained very close to her sibblings. She had two older brothers, Alfredo Grimaldo and Carlos Arauz (who passed in 2011), and a sister, Mimi Kent. Marcela graduated from High School in 1956. She married Dominic Burtech in 1957and had three children: Gael, Dominic and Steven. She worked many jobs (sometimes two jobs to make ends meet), and at one point opened up her own restaurant. She encouraged her children to work hard and pursue their goals. Gael became an attorney and Dominic owns his own business with his wife Julie.

Marcela’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren: Ryan Miller, Samantha Strack, Taylor Strack, Dominic Burtech Jr., Maile Burtech and great grandchildren Tanner and Hawkin Miller. She also loved old movies, gardening, traveling and spending time as much time as she could with her family and relatives in Panama. She loved watching hummingbirds, going to Charger games and salsa dancing. Raised a Catholic, you could often find Marcela in church. She was passionate about helping others and those in need.

Viewing – Friday, December 5th, 2014

A viewing at Eternal Hills has been scheduled for Friday, December 5th, 2014 from 1 to 3pm (1999 South El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA, 92054). The viewing will be followed by a reception at the home of Dominic and Julie Burtech (304 La Costa Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024).

Mass and Funeral – Saturday, December 6th, 2014:

A mass and funeral have been scheduled for Saturday, December 6th, 2014 from 9:30 to 11:30 am at Holy Cross Cemetery at the Risen Christ Chapel (5835 West Slauson Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230). The funeral will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Las Brisas Restaurant (361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, CA 92651).

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Marcela’s life with us. Please send your RSVP to attend the Funeral and Celebration of Life, favorite memories and/or any photos you may have of Marcela to her daughter Gael Strack at [email protected] or cell 760-445-3559, or to her son Dominic Burtech at [email protected] or cell 760-801-7028.

Your prompt response will assist us in finalizing arrangements. We have set up a website of our favorite photos at http://marcelagrimaldo.shutterfly.com/963 and encourage everyone to visit the website. We are grateful for your thoughts and prayers, and, especially for loving our mother.

Gael Strack and Dominic Burtech