Carmen Colunga Rico

March 13, 1927 - November 16, 2017

Our beacon of kindness has transcended, she will now brighten heaven even more. Yet her light here on earth remains, so much that all those loved by her will never lose their way should they ever feel lost. Love has surrounded her from the moment she was born March 13, 1927. The fifth child of eight loving children by Valente and Rita Colunga. Her humble childhood in the dairy lands of Artesia would foster the love we have been so accustomed to. Evidenced by the untimely loss of her mother at the age of 7. Her father and siblings, especially her oldest sister Isabel made sure that love would never be absent. Family is everything and she held it in the highest regard. Her marriage to John Rico in 1947 would put that love to good use and thus begin her own legacy. A legacy that would never diminish, one that would only grow stronger. A permanent move to Bellflower came to be, where through the span of the first 18 years, 5 children were blessed to be part of their sacred union, 2 daughters and 3 sons filled the circle. Bellflower was the perfect place to fulfill love's promise. Her dedication, loyalty, all with a deep understanding of gratitude and appreciation, along with her husband gave their children a reason to appreciate the good things that life has to offer. All her children were cut from the same cloth but each were shown how to stand proud, To honor their own identity and individual gifts. Family unity was never in question, from the breakfast table to the dinner table, the everyday sendoffs to school where everyone crossed themselves to the crucifix standing above the back door, reflections of her deep faith taught to each one of us. Gatherings of relatives at the family home showed us the true value of sharing. It was a home that seemed to burst at the seams with affection, with music, with laughter. Her love never wavered, it was only strengthened as her children married and brought forth children of their own. Her ability to love only multiplied by every grandchild, every great grandchild that entered her world. She gave us all the same love but made us all feel special in our own way. She also showed by example how to be decent, conscientious and caring. She never hesitated to offer any of us words of advice whenever we needed it, no matter what stage of life we were in. These were her gifts among many others. A true extension of all that is pure and divine. There aren't enough words to express what she meant to all of us but the heartbeat that resides in each of us will always keep her close. She instinctively knew how to love and she gave of herself without hesitation. She will truly be missed. She now rejoices with her loving husband, her family, all her friends that have helped pave the road to eternal life. Carmen leaves behind her dearly beloved; Daughter, Diane (John) and her children/grandchildren with Roger Milla, Matthew (Emily), Isaac and Audrey; Mark (Miah) and Danielle Milligan (Shane), Caden, Riley and Weston. Son John/Butch (Vanessa) and his children Ryan, Carol and Elek. Son Louis (Nancy) and his children/grandchildren Todd, Toddy, Kaya and Bowie; Patrick (Jill), Sirius, Rex and Wren, Heidi Rico Magana (Sean). Daughter, Esther (Charles) and her children/grandchildren Andrea Wittig (Jon); Nathan and Paulina (Nick), Quentin. Son Tony and his son Jonathon, stepson Sean.