Lucila Licate

LUCILA SANDOVAL LICATE, age 86, beloved wife of 52 years of Jack; loving mother of Louis and Carmen Strauchon (husband TJ); devoted "abu" of Thomas; cherished daughter of the late Lucio Sandoval Rivera and Carmen Rodríguez Sierra; admired eldest sister of 11; revered sister-in-law to 9; loving aunt of 18, and friend to many.

Lucila was born May 16, 1938, in Mexico City. She graduated from the University of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, studied at the Institut Pasteur de Lille (France), received a master's from the University of Tennessee and was the first female graduate of that school's agriculture program. Lucila became an accomplished and internationally recognized biochemist, beginning work in Mexico City, continuing in Detroit, and ending at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic. After nearly 40 years in Cleveland, Lucila and Jack embarked on a new adventure as they moved to Alexandria, Virginia to be near their children and grandchild.

The daughter of teachers, Lucila embraced the transformative powers of education and hard work: to her learning was a joyful adventure, whether exploring the wilds of Patagonia, investigating the museums of Europe, or researching the creatures of the deepest oceans in order to crochet a colossal squid for her grandson. Always warm, welcoming, and smiling, Lucila was committed to helping others rise from adversity, whether they were immigrants trying to succeed in the United States, AIDS patients at MetroHealth, or students learning to read. Lucila was a kind and generous friend to all she met, providing sage, and often hilarious and blunt, advice or a shoulder to cry on.

Lucila was first and foremost committed to her family, both in the United States and Mexico. She raised her children to think independently and forge their own paths in life with her constant support and guidance. She marveled at the ingenuity and spirit of her grandson, Thomas, who was the light of her final years. Her beautiful relationship with Jack continues to serve as an inspiration to countless others. Her legacy of commitment to family, scholarship, and hard work will live on for generations.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute in Lucila's name to the MetroHealth Foundation, P.O. Box 74107, Cleveland, Ohio 44194 or the Gesu School Teachers Fund, 2450 Miramar Blvd., University Heights, Ohio 44118.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Marian Chapel of Gesu Catholic Church, 2470 Miramar Blvd., University Heights, Ohio on FRIDAY MORNING August 16, 2024 at 11AM. Following the Mass, a luncheon will take place at Arrabiata's Italian Restaurant, 6169 Mayfield Rd. in Mayfield Heights. Interment will be private at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland. Arrangements entrusted to the DeJohn Funeral Homes and Crematory.