Laticia Josephina Guardado passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 51, in San Francisco, California, after long battled medical conditions.

She is survived by her son, Gabriel Sullivan; mother, Ada Fogal; siblings, Ada Guardado, Kenneth Guardado, Vanessa Guardado and Georgina Marie Guardado; ex-husband, Sean Sullivan and his family who loved Laticia dearly; and many more family members, cousins and friends.

Laticia was loved dearly and deeply by her friends, family and Silverado Ace Hardware colleagues where she began working at the age of 16 and went on until her 40s when she was no longer able to work due to health issues.

The light of Laticia’s life was her son whom she loved unconditionally. Having suffered from kidney disease since her early teens, Laticia was also passionate about advocacy and raising awareness for organ donation and dialysis. She loved volunteering in classrooms and for her son’s sports games and other school events.

In the words of her cousin Che Guardado, Laticia was “strong, sassy, tenacious, vivacious and always quick with a comeback. She had the most fighting spirit and fought for every beautiful year she had. Her legacy is the strength and love visible in her son Gabriel, in her siblings, and in every one of us cousins, nieces, and nephews she helped raise. Tish, you are a part of us, a piece of our spirit, and you will live on in this world through us.”

From her former Ace Hardware boss, MaryAnn Petersen, who she viewed as a second mother, “Tish was a voracious reader. She enjoyed science fiction and mysteries. Tish was strong and endured so much in her life that she had no patience for employees who would call in sick for minor aches and pains.”

Her niece Mónica Guardado accurately describes Laticia’s fun-loving nature, “My favorite memories of her are playing the most intense Uno games, sometimes until 3 a.m., with her and my dad. Even if she had dialysis early the next morning she would NEVER forfeit. In life there were so many hardships she had to deal with, so much pain, but she always kept going, never forfeiting! I miss her dearly, as we all do, but I am at peace knowing she doesn't have to fight so hard or live in pain any longer. An amazing mom, and an amazing aunt, we all love you very much, Laticia.”

Her siblings can attest to her undying love for her family and her resilience in overcoming hardship. She inspires us all to keep going.

An end of life ceremony is planned for Friday, May 3, at 11 a.m. at the St. Helena Public Cemetery located at 2461 Spring St.

A celebration of life potluck will take place following the ceremony at Pioneer Park in Calistoga located at 1308 Cedar St.

All friends, family, acquaintances, and colleagues of Laticia’s are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring flowers, photos, keepsakes, stories and/or memories to share in honor of Laticia.