It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Susy Erazo, affectionately known as Mina, who passed away peacefully at the age of 77. She was a devoted wife to her late husband Galo, a loving mother to Kathy, Galo, and Jasmine, a loving mother-in-law to Fabricio, Lorraine, and Scott, an adoring grandma to Galito, Scott, Nathaniel, Lola, Lucas, Alex, Jack, and Danny, and a cherished sister to Patricio, Carmey, Eleny, Jaime, and Ricardo.
Mina came to the United States in 1967 as a young 19-year-old newlywed, along with her firstborn 3-month-old baby girl, in the middle of winter. This trip brought her across continents to an unknown place with a foreign language, weather she was not accustomed to, and a culture she was unfamiliar with. She attained a degree in education in Ecuador, but when she arrived here, she had to start over. She learned English by watching Sesame Street and studied, passed, and attained her GED. Like many immigrant parents, she worked long hours in factories, taking on whatever job was available to ensure her family’s needs were met. But Mina didn’t just settle, she kept striving for better and challenging herself, each time finding a better job and climbing the ladder, step by step. Over the years, most of her jobs revolved around the service of others, whether it was teaching, working with people with disabilities, or helping connect people. She was always very dedicated and possessed a great work ethic.
Mina’s love and devotion to her family were unparalleled. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and light. Her beautiful aura, quick wit, and sassiness brought sunshine into the lives of everyone she met. A generous soul, Mina never thought twice about lending a hand to those in need, from helping family in her native Ecuador to opening her home to people coming to the United States chasing their dream as she once did.
Her kindness, warmth, and laughter will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, near and far. She held a special place in many hearts. Mina’s spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched. Mina had a long battle with Parkinson’s, but she did not let the disease define her and faced her daily fight with grace, faith, and all the strength she had. In our eyes, in the end, she defeated this debilitating disease because she didn’t let it take her that way. She left us with her dignity and pride intact, and in that, we find comfort, also in knowing that she did not suffer and is now resting peacefully alongside the love of her life.
We will miss you, Mina, but we know you are at peace, surrounded by love, and watching over us all. We will continue to make you proud. You will forever remain in our hearts.
Rest in peace, Mina.
