Marcela Riquelme, logistics and operations coordinator at the Vanguard International office in Santiago, Chile, has died.
The fresh fruit growing, packing, marketing, and sales organization is headquartered in Issaquah, Wash., with branches all over the world.
Riquelme, 48, was a caring wife, mother, coworker and friend who passed away suddenly June 15, according to a news release. She is survived by her two daughters and one son.
Born in Chile, Marcela spent 20 years living in Vancouver, Canada, before returning to Chile later in her career. An avid explorer, Marcela was always planning her upcoming travelling adventures.
In her logistics and operations coordinator role, Riquelme was a pivotal connector for the entire Vanguard global team and was a “welcome, smiling, eagerly happy presence with everyone she worked with,” according to the release. “Vanguard’s growers and customers were always delighted with her professionalism and can-do attitude.”
Riquelme loved to celebrate her coworkers’ birthdays and was regularly the first one in and the last one to leave team celebrations.
“The entire Vanguard organization will remember and honor the light she brought to our team,” according to the release. “She had great wit and a quick sense of humor that left us talking and laughing for hours. Her smile every morning was a blessing we will all remember.”
An account has been established to support Riquelme’s family during this difficult time. Donations can be made through paypal.com using the email account JLOBACH@YAHOO.COM.
