Monica Marcella Cea

Monica Marcela Cea (Mami Bodo) passed away at the Foothills hospital on March 7th, 2022 at the age of 42 years. Monica is survived by her son Jonas Jose , her mother Maria Yolanda, her father Jose Luis, her aunt Ana Julia, her sister Valerie Tatiana, her brother Oscar Jose, and her nieces and nephews - Emily, Nick, Diego, Lucia, and Lucas- along with family in El Salvador and abroad. She will also be sadly missed by her close friends – Jenn, Chrissy, Josh, along with countless others and her two cats – Osito and Luna.

Monica was born in San Salvador, El Salvador and at the age of six she immigrated to Canada. Since a young age, much of Monica’s character has been steady. Those who knew her well will remember that she wore her heart on her sleeve. Her feelings were transparent and as she matured, she became known for her bluntness and tell-it-like-it-is attitude. This reflected in much of her being from her choice in fashion and jewelry to the many piercings that adorned her body. She lived boldly and with little reservations.

Monica unfortunately suffered from poor health as a result of a complicated medical condition that ranged from severe pain to random aches, yet her outlook was typically vibrant and joyful and those closest to her should rest in that her physical pain is no more. She enjoyed interacting with people and could easily make friends. As a cashier, customers quickly began to notice her cheerfulness, beautiful smile, all which resulted in regulars looking for her and lining up to be greeted and served by her and only her. She was easy to talk to and one could find themselves spilling their life story shortly after meeting her.

In 2003, she gave birth to her son Jonas and from thereon, all her energy and attention went into raising her son as a single mother. Although it was challenging, she was a proud mother that quietly sacrificed all aspects of her life for the betterment of her Jonas.

Monica was a devout Roman Catholic who practiced with humility and sincerity, doing her best to live by the principles of Jesus Christ and the church. Her faith carried her for much of her later life and was a source of inspiration, joy, and hope as she battled with her medical condition and the daily stresses of life and in this same faith, she now peacefully rests.

The sorrow that has inflicted those closest to her will purify its way to their center and in this darkness, it will find an expression that is part of their journey just as Monica’s condition and manner of death were the path destined for her.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, (10827 24 St S.W. Calgary, AB), on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend David Meadows officiating.