Obituary of J. Anibal Mejia

J. Anibal Mejia, 92, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home, on November 4, 2023. Anibal, the seventh of eight children, was born to José María Mejia and Sofia Mejia on January 29, 1931 in Anori, Colombia. 

The family moved to the city of Medellin when he was 13 where he graduated from high school. Upon graduation, he went on to work in order to help support his family. Though he had no further formal education, he loved to read about world history and enjoyed learning foreign languages. He immigrated to the US in 1961 with two of his cousins and after a short stint at a print shop and as a bus boy in a DC restaurant, he started work as a Spanish Instructor for the US State Department from where he retired after 33 years. In his retirement he traveled with his wife, Stella, read, did crossword puzzles, sudoku and practiced his Catholic faith. He helped deliver Meals on Wheels for 13 years, until the age of 91. He also served as usher and lead usher at St. Agnes Church for over 30 years. His favorite meal was anything his wife of 56 years made.

Anibal is survived by his devoted wife Stella, and two children, Monica Loos  and Juan Mejia, sister, Maria Cruz, and grandchildren, Oliver Loos, Jack Loos, Kai Mejia, Kenzi Mejia, and his large extended family in Colombia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Guillermo, Gabriela, Aquiles, Alonso, Guillermina, and Aurea.

The funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Church in Arlington. A private internment of ashes with immediate family will follow. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Meals on Wheels in his honor.