Alyssa Kayla “AK” Garcia Marquez passed away unexpectedly on November 18, 2025, at the age of 22. She was born on December 2, 2002, the only child of Alex Sablan Marquez and Michelle Madlangbayan Garcia, and the love of their lives.

Alyssa Kayla brought immense joy and unconditional love to her parents and grandparents, Lola Lourdes, Lolo Fred, Grandma Ester, and Grandpa Roy, who all played major roles in helping her grow into the smart, talented, caring, and loving person she became. She also cherished her uncles (Amado, Angelo, Anton, Stefan, Aaron, Dave, and Jerome) and aunts (Almira, Agatha, Mina, Marivic, Alexandra, Rosalynn, and Jennifer), who supported her with their guidance, affection, encouragement, and love.

Although Alyssa Kayla was an only child, she adored and looked forward to spending time with her cousins, who were like sisters to her, Ate Nikki, Dete Sabel, and her older cousin Ate Adella on the Marquez side, and Sam and Alli on the Garcia side. She cherished her bond with her cousins through childhood adventures filled with laughter, imagination, singing, dancing, silliness, and countless beautiful memories carried over to adulthood.

Alyssa Kayla’s infectious laugh could be heard across any room, during family gatherings or while spending time with friends. She cared deeply for others and was always willing to help, mentor, guide, and support anyone in need. She aspired to make a meaningful impact on the world, whether through environmental causes, social equality, homelessness, and other global issues. She was selfless, compassionate, and determined to be a force for good.

Along with her many talents, Alyssa Kayla found joy in life’s simple comforts. She loved Korean BBQ outings, cherished the simplicity of spam and rice, and often turned to pasta as her go-to comfort food. But nothing made her happier than going out for boba, her all-time favorite treat, whether with family or friends. Those small, shared moments meant the world to her.

Alyssa Kayla excelled in all that she set her mind and heart to. Academically, she advanced from 1st to 2nd grade early and received the President’s Award and Honor Roll recognition throughout elementary, middle school, and high school. She was also part of Torrance High School’s varsity golf team and was a gold medalist of an SCPGA Jr. tournament. A gifted artist, she created expressive charcoal abstract drawings and self-portrait. She later discovered her passion for fashion, learning to sew and finding joy in transforming her ideas into fully constructed garments. While in High School, her dedication earned her a state championship in the FCCLA competition with her winning entry, a classic pantsuit titled “Casablanca.”

During her time at Cal Poly Pomona college, her passion for fashion design flourished even further. She created her own fashion line under her brand “Made by Alyssa Kayla,” which she successfully showcased at the Cal Poly Pomona Fashion Society’s Rhythm of the Runway fashion show. This achievement was made possible through her hard work, creativity, and the strong support of her classmates, friends, and family an experience that meant so much to her.

The transition to college brought new challenges, but through her determination and the support of family, friends, and mentors, Alyssa Kayla rose above them. She joined various clubs,

secured an internship, was a working student, went on an education trip to Paris, and graduated with high honors. She was named Student of the Year for the Apparel Merchandising and Management program in her senior year and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

After college, she thrived in the fashion industry. Guided by her values, integrity, and work ethic, she faced challenges head-on and always delivered her best. She meticulously documented processes for product integrity and earned high praise from those who recognized her excellence. She also acknowledged the importance of the many mentors and professors she had throughout her college years and professional life, to whom she felt deeply indebted and grateful for her successes. Knowing she made a meaningful, positive impact while staying true to herself meant the world to her.

Alongside her academic and professional achievements, Alyssa Kayla found joy in dance, taking classes in hip-hop, salsa, and other styles. She loved watching Dancing with the Stars with her family and friends. But above all, her greatest passion was music.

She dedicated herself to endless hours practicing her instruments, growing from playing the ukulele to performing with remarkable mastery of guitar and piano. She even surprised everyone with how skillfully she later learned to play the bass guitar, drums, and harmonica, delighting us all.

Her angelic voice and heartfelt performances brought immeasurable joy to her parents and grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, who were her biggest fans. Her daily practice sessions, her mini concerts at home, are cherished memories that remain forever in our hearts. She loved sharing her talent at open mics and intimate family gatherings, offering soulful renditions of songs in her own unique style, inspiring everyone who heard her.

Known as “Kayla” to the family and friends she grew up with and “AK” to her college classmates and close friends, her 22 extraordinary years on this earth ended far too soon. Yet her life was not lived in vain. She accomplished more and touched more hearts than many do in a lifetime. The number of people moved by her kindness, talent, and spirit is countless.

Our faith reminds us that God places us on this earth for a purpose. He gives life, and He calls us home. We are profoundly grateful that God blessed us with our priceless Alyssa Kayla. And while our hearts break from losing her, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved pet/brother, Chase, whose passing she grieved so deeply, and in the loving embrace of her Lolo Fred, together in heaven where they watch over us with love.