Marika Justine Manzo

1993 - 2023

Marika Justine Manzo, 29, went peacefully into eternal life on Saturday, July 22, 2023. She was born December 9, 1993 in Long Beach, CA to Mark and Margaret Manzo, the youngest of five girls.

Marika was born with a rare condition called Prader-Willi. Although distinct characteristics categorized her condition physically and neurologically, it did not define her.

Throughout her life, she endured challenges. Admiringly, she lived her life without ever knowing she was different or what the world calls, special needs. She was always known for loving nature, radiating happiness with her infectious smile, distinct laugh, her impressive dance moves and being the ultimate foodie.

She was always intrigued with problem solving, one of her favorite pastime was putting together puzzles. She was an avid puzzle collector. She loved a challenge and even put them together face-down, without seeing the pictures.

Marika was a Disney enthusiast. Her all-time favorite pastime was going to Disneyland with family, going on the rides, meeting all the characters, trying new snacks, collecting Disney memorabilia and being thoughtful as she always brought a present back for a family member.

Her beautiful loving soul brought so much happiness to the world. Her silliness and her trickster ways were often monumental in our household. Marika's ability to love hard always made you feel like you were her favorite person in the world; it was a love that could be felt to the moon and back. She was strong-willed and stubborn that even when she was unreasonable in the moment, you couldn't help but love her when she instantly shifted gears and turned on her charm. She was loved by all who were blessed to know her and adopt her language, her Marikaism's.

She may have been the "baby" sister, but she was fiercely protective of her big "sistows," her mother and her family in general. You did not want to catch a charlie horse from her. She was out without a doubt a Manzo.

Marika was preceded in death by her father, Mark Manzo, her grandpa, Daniel Corral and niece, James Manzo-Munoz. She is survived by her mother, Margaret Manzo, grandma, Margarita Corral; sisters, Marina (Albert), Malissa (Ralph), Mylene, Marlee; her nieces and nephews, Ariana, Jacquelyn, Albert-Mark, Reese, Desi and Wilder.