Soledad 'Sally' Garcia Riccardi

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Soledad 'Sally' Garcia Riccardi

February 23, 1934 ~ August 9, 2020

Sally Riccardi departed from this earth on August 9, 2020, from having 86 birthdays. Mom was born on February 23, 1934 in Salt Lake City, to her parents Victorio and Francisca (Campero) Garcia of Ojo Caliente, Zacatecas, Mexico. She was the youngest of nine children.

Mom’s childhood was poor in material things, but she always said she was happy and well cared for. She quit high school to work and help with her ailing father. Working at American Beauty Macaroni Factory, she met the love of her life, our dad, Leonardo Riccardi.  They married on August 1, 1959 and together they worked hard to provide their three children with a loving, warm, nice and clean home. Mom always said that Dad made her laugh with his silly ways. She was completely devoted and faithful to him always. Mom and Dad loved to dance with each other around the house and they were very entertaining to watch at any event with a dance floor.

 Mom worked as an amazing domestic goddess, keeping her house immaculately clean, canning her own salsa and jams and working in her flower beds. She made the best international meals, learning from her Italian in-laws, a former boss who was Japanese and, of course, her Mexican mother. As a mom she taught us patience, to serve others and how to laugh at ourselves.

A devout Catholic, she was an active member of her parish, devoting many hours volunteering on Bingo nights.

She was survived by her husband of 61 years, Leonardo, who passed away in November; daughter (and chauffeur) Victoria (Carl) Richards; son (and fix-it man) Lenny Riccardi (Darci); and daughter (and voice of reason) Janette Riccardi; grandsons Rick Riccardi, Giovanni Riccardi (Maria), Spencer Burton and Vincent Riccardi; granddaughter Halle Burton and great-granddaughters Lillyan Riccardi and Aria Riccardi.  

Special thanks goes to Giovanni for his extra help caring for both of his grandparents during these past few years. Our family would also like to give a special thanks to the home care nurses, Dao and Inma, who treated Mom like their own family.

Funeral services were held August 14, 2020 at Neil O’Donnell Funeral Home.  Interment at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite charity and give your loved ones a hug.