SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A local family is remembering their mother who died suddenly after suffering a brain aneurysm.
Monica Pimentel, 43, collapsed at her home on May 17. She died the next day at the hospital with her family by her side.
Monica was born and raised in San Diego. She graduated from Patrick Henry High School and was deeply involved in the San Carlos community. She was the mother of four children.
This is the second time tragedy has struck the Pimentel family.
In 2014, one of their daughters, Jewelean Pimentel, died from bacterial meningitis.
Jewelean was a freshman at Patrick Henry and was also a cheerleader for the school.
The family's father is devastated after suffering two heartbreaking losses. He is now taking care of the remaining three children. He and Monica had been married for 20 years.
The Pimentel family released the following statement after Monica's death:
Monica was selfless and kind. She had a strong spirit, a belief in God, and an endless supply of love that she shared with her family and everyone she knew. She took care of everyone. She did everything she could to make sure she would be there for her kids tomorrow -- but she loved them every day like it was her last.
Our family suffered a profound loss four years ago when our oldest daughter Jewelean died, but Monica knew she had to go on because she loved our three youngest children just as much. Monica knew that even when tragedy hits, we have to rise above that.
She knew tomorrow may not be promised, that you don't live by thinking about tomorrow -- you live by thinking about today.
Monica was committed to her children, but she always found the time for others: To talk with a friend in need, to welcome new neighbors, to be involved with other parents. She tried to be a friend to everyone.
We want to thank everyone who has offered love and support to our family. We will miss Monica every day. But we take comfort knowing that she's reunited with Jewelean.
If you are interested in helping the family get through this difficult time, you can donate to the Monica Pimentel Memorial Fund set up on GoFundMe.
