A mother and her daughters are remembered

Lizette Gomez was spending the night with Magaly and her 2 girls, and tonight she’s physically ok. She told ABC-7 that although she tried so hard to fight through the smoke and flames to save her friend, she was not able to. Tonight, she’s without her friend.. and a family is without three of their own.

In tears, Karyna Mendoza, Magaly’s youngest sister shared her memories of a woman she called big sister and a second mom.

She also spoke of the two nieces she watched grow into energetic young ladies.

Karyna says Magaly had a way of bringing a smile to the face of anyone she met.

Childhood friend, George Rodriguez, remembers Magaly as a comedian who made everyone laugh. He now owns the Rod’s sports bar. A bar once owned by Magaly’s uncle.

The red and yellow fire tape is still surrounding the apartment complex, and police are still on the scene investigating the fire. Magalys family and friends told ABC-7 that they don’t want Magaly to be remembered as just another victim, but as a happy person and a loving mother.

The fire marshal tells us a skillet left unattended on the stove started the fire.
Magaly worked as a clerk at university medical center.

We have a link to a go-fund-me account the family set up to pay for funeral expenses. You can find it now at kvia.com.