Monica Beltran Barrett
July 05, 1966 - November 11, 2008
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Monica Beltran Barrett
July 05, 1966 - November 11, 2008
Obituary
MONICA BELTRAN BARRETT – age 42, of Lake Forest, California, passed away peacefully November 11, 2008 following her courageous and valiant battle against cancer.
A career in public service lead Monica to the Orange County Department of Education. There she was the Program Manager for the Orange County ‘Friday Night Live’ Partnership youth group. Monica earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the California State University Long Beach. Monica loved her job and thrived on expanding the minds and opportunities of the young students enrolled in the ‘FNL’ program.
Monica enjoyed the outdoors. She was an avid scuba diver and shared a love of travel with her husband, Brett. Together the two of them explored all ends of the earth, with an appreciation for different places and cultures.
Although Monica endured many set backs in her short life, she never once complained and always put others before herself. She is survived by her husband, Brett, parents, John and Irene Beltran, sisters, Vivian Ortiz and Ilene Reveles Jose, nephews, Joseph and Jonathan Reveles. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Services will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, located at 1441 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, California on Monday, November 17, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Reception immediately following the service at the Vallejos/Bold home, 24151 Roma Drive, Mission Viejo, California, 949 680-2971.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made in Monica Barrett’s name to the ‘Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative’ A link to the donation webpage is: http://www.sarcomahelp.org/donations.htm
139 responses to Monica Beltran Barrett
vivian says:
November 11, 2013
My Dearest Monica-
It’s been 5 years since you’ve been gone and we miss you everyday. Of course time heals the pain but there’s a hole in our hearts that will be never be filled because you are not here. You said never to forget you and we never will-as mom said, how could we? Dad always lights a candle for you at church. You are so loved and still provide us with lots of laughs with things you said and serious thought-provoking influence. You taught us so many things, but especially to live each day to the fullest and enjoy life because we never know when it’s our last-when God says this is your expiration date. Only God knows that day; but in the meantime, we miss you and will always love you. Thank you for all the memories and for being such a huge part of our family. The next time we meet will be in Heaven. Until then, we’ll love you forever…..
11/11/13
C. Chen says:
November 12, 2013
Dear Monica,
I don’t know why this year seemed so much harder to accept you’re gone… as I sat there thinking of all the great advice, lessons, and laughter you had given me, I realize it was so difficult because deep down inside I wish you were able to go to my DrPH graduation, honestly, I always dreamed you and the rest of the original FNL staff would be at my wedding. But, then I also realized that you have never left me and through the last 5 years continued to inspire, motivate, and encourage me from above and through memories.
I do miss you dearly and feel there could have been more to say to you before, but now I know you always knew the right moments to share, ESP when I did not. I still remember the day that I became your equal and sat right next to you at a county collaborative meeting… no longer a youth, but a colleague. Not only have you guided me to be the successful leader I am today, but I know you are proud of me. Thank you for all that you have done and I can only continue to progress further. I can’t believe I’m completing my doctorate this December, wow.
Tell Hermie Hi for me. Love you.
Upendo, Cristy.
Dr. C. Chen says:
November 11, 2014
Dear Monica,
I can’t believe it has been 6 years, yet there’s times when I think of you and tears come easily. I just lost another mentor to cancer in August and it brings back fresh pain of losing you and Hermie. But, I know, no matter what, I’m the luckiest person, because I have three angels protecting and watching over me. I hope I’ve made you proud.
Can you believe, I’m officially Dr. Chen. Even I don’t believe! I hope I can spread all the awareness, love, guidance, and leadership skills, just liked you always had for me. Love you so much Monica, you will never be forgotten.
Upendo, officially, Dr. Cristy Chen
vbo says:
November 11, 2014
Hi Moni –
Last year (your 5 year anniversary of 2013) did seem so much harder than the first 4. Don’t know why but it was so extremely difficult. This 11/11/14 is a tiny bit easier…. Not that we don’t miss you everyday, because we do. 6 years gone- hard to believe. Maybe we are realizing God took you out of your misery here on earth because you weren’t going to get any better here. Of course, we wish you were still alive and well with us, but we’re not in control. I can only imagine how much you are enjoying Heaven and it probably seems like you just got there.
Me, mom and dad went to visit the tree in Lake Forest dedicated to your memory by your co-workers. We had a few “what if” moments and some “if only” moments. But overall, we had a nice day and honored you. You will always be remembered and loved. I think you’d be proud of the boys and happy that we’re all doing well. We sure do miss you!! Til we meet again in Heaven……
Love you more than words can say
Vivian 11/11/14
Dr. C.Chen says:
November 11, 2015
May I ask where the location of this tree is? I would like to go there and pay my respects to Monica too. She was such an amazing mentor to me. Thank you in advance.