Re: In Remembrance of Sofia Mortera
To: All campus
Jan. 21, 2021
It is with deep sadness that we write to inform the campus community of the death of UC Merced staff member Sofia Mortera.
Sofia joined the campus in 2007 and was a valued member of the School of Natural Sciences for 12 years, where she held several integral roles. In spring 2020, she transitioned her position as Travel and Procurement specialist for the Center for Business Services and Solutions.
“I’m told Sofia was an inspiration for all who knew her, on and off campus, and she will be remembered by her humor, kindness, patience and ever-present smile,” Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz said. “Our sincere condolences go out to her family, friends and loved ones during this heartbreaking time. She will be greatly missed on our campus.”
Her family shared the following:
“Sofi was a beautiful soul. She made a positive impact in the lives of everyone she met. Even through all the challenges she faced in her life, she always had a smile on her face. She was an adventurer and loved to take trips, both with her family and her friends. She had a very ‘magnetic’ personality; people were drawn to her and she had friends from all different walks of life. She was always there to offer an ear and a shoulder to anyone who needed it. She had a strong passion for helping others.
She joins her nephew, Melvin, in Heaven and leaves behind her parents, Coco and Diego, her siblings Denisse, Stephanie and Diego and their spouses, and all her nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own children: Addyson, Brandon, Mia, Madeline, Bella, Mattito, Mollie and Alexander.
The family is grateful for all the prayers and support, especially her UC family.”
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses. Please consider donating, as any amount will truly help her family.
During these sad times, it is important to remember resources are available. Staff and faculty may contact INSIGHT, our employee assistance program, at 800-422-5322 or email [email protected] for more information and/or to set up an appointment. Employees who are enrolled in any of UC’s medical plans can also access behavioral health benefits through their plans.
We also encourage you to reach out to your friends, family and each other for support in response to this difficult news.
