Alicia Medina Cervantes, born in Mexico and lived most of her life in Texas. She passed away after a brain hemorrhage on February 27th, 2022 in Austin, Texas lovingly surrounded by her children Angelica and Joe, brother Felipe, and friend Maxwell.

Alicia grew up in the care of her Grandfather and family while her mother worked in the U.S. Alicia grew up surrounded by the outdoors on the family ranch, this contributed to her love of the outdoors in life. Proudly graduating a secondary education and starting at the University of Guadalajara she planned to join the Mexican Navy and become a Marine Biologist. Knowing that such a decision would keep her from visiting her mother, she decided to visit her mother in California. That visit proved to be life changing opting to stay in the U.S. She met and married the man that would be the father of her children. Alicia saw hope and opportunity in the United States. She moved to Texas with her husband, had children, and built a home in a foreign place away from most of her family. She persisted, making family of her close friends.

After her divorce, as a single parent, Alicia embraced the challenges and financial adversities of raising two children by herself. She gained her High School diploma since her education from México was not recognized. Alicia obtained her U.S. citizenship, took classes at various community colleges, and worked multiple jobs. In 2007 she started to work with the University of Texas Police Department via MD Anderson and UT Health Science as an outstanding public safety officer. She was not content to do the bare minimum, was a leader by example and was constantly looking for ways to improve. Alicia was named Public Safety Officer of the Year in 2018 for her contributions and her customer service commitment to the patients, students and employees in the Texas Medical Center. She also served as a bike officer of the bike patrol unit where she logged over 800 miles. She went above and beyond by obtaining her EMT certification so she could assist with medical emergencies. She was instrumental in converting paper processes to electronic at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and she was recognized for this work in 2021 when she earned an Award of Excellence for her role in developing and improving administrative process. Not content to maintain the status quo, she obtained all three levels of certifications from the International Association of Hospital Security and had recently applied to be a diversity champion. A lifelong learner, she was looking to start an adult bachelor’s degree program. She had recently started the application process with Huston-Tillotson University, Concordia University, and Texas Southern University.

In her free time, she enjoyed traveling, gastronomical experiences, spending time with friends and family, especially with Maria Elena “Nena” Guerrero, who was her best friend and adopted mother. When she splurged on herself, she can be found having fun in a spa or salon, and enjoying the stress relief of retail therapy. To say that her family and friends will miss her greatly is an understatement. She was a tour de force and a larger than life figure. Between the many people she helped, worked with, had friendships with, and those she interacted with, Alicia was a well-respected and cherished colleague as well as loyal friend.

She is survived by her daughter Angelica, son Joe, brother Rafael, brother Felipe, half-brother Pedro, sister-in-law Adriana Judith, great aunt Isabella, great uncle Nacho, and her cousin Magda. As well as extended family members and close family friends Maria “Nena” Elena Guerrero and the Guerrero family, Lorena Abreu and the Abreu Family, Maxwell Murrihy, and Reggie Rainey.

In line with her final wishes, she will be buried near family in Mexico. She wished to be remembered and acknowledged as a hardworking, loving mother, loyal, unselfish friend, and an esteemed colleague.

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