In Memory of Francis: A Light That Will Always Shine

Dear friends and family,

I want to share the deeply moving story of my incredible mother, a woman whose strength, resilience, and love know no bounds. She came to the United States from Honduras, leaving behind everything she had ever known—her home, her career, and the life she had worked so hard to build. With nothing but a fierce hope for a better future, she journeyed to a foreign land with her mother.

Starting over wasn’t easy. She gave up a promising career in accounting to clean houses and babysit, taking on whatever work she could find, no matter how physically demanding or humbling, so we could have the opportunities she never had. To provide for me and my brother, my mother made unimaginable sacrifices. She worked tirelessly, often juggling multiple jobs, and yet, never complained, never wavered in her commitment to us. Through it all, she maintained the unwavering belief that a better life was possible—if she could just keep pushing, one day at a time.

While building this new life, she also fought to become a proud U.S. citizen, navigating an unfamiliar system and working tirelessly to make that dream a reality. Her determination was unmatched, and thanks to her relentless perseverance, I am now a first-generation American, carrying forward the legacy of her sacrifice and strength. She taught me the values of hard work, perseverance, and, above all, the importance of never giving up on the people you love. My mother’s courage, her ability to start over and build from nothing, is a testament to the kind of person she is—selfless, strong, and unbreakable.

Throughout her life, my mother has embodied the true meaning of selflessness, consistently putting the needs of others above her own. From the moment my brother and I were old enough to understand, she taught us the power of compassion, the importance of giving, and the deep satisfaction that comes from serving others. Her belief in community runs so deep that she has woven it into every aspect of her life. Whether it’s volunteering at every opportunity to help women and children in need, or dedicating hours to tutoring struggling students, my mother has never turned her back on those who need support. She has been a constant presence for children who have fallen behind in school—helping them with reading, writing, and math—patiently and lovingly guiding them to success.

But it’s not just the academic help she offers. My mother has chaperoned countless field trips, showing up to create safe, enriching experiences for students, and has opened her heart to women facing difficult circumstances, offering them a shoulder to lean on and a hand to lift them up. She has spent her life as a beacon of hope, pouring love, care, and wisdom into everyone she meets. For her, it has always been about making the world better, one small act of kindness at a time. She has never sought recognition or praise for her tireless efforts. To her, it’s simply the right thing to do, and she does it with a heart full of grace. She is not just a mother—she is a force for good in this world, and her selfless spirit continues to inspire and uplift everyone lucky enough to cross her path.

On November 27th 2024

my mother unfortunately passed away from the toughest battle of her life—stage 4 colon cancer and during this process she suffered a heart attack and two strokes.

The unimaginable happened and she is now no longer with us.

It has cast a shadow over everything, bringing unimaginable challenges that have tested us both emotionally and physically. It feels like the ground has been pulled out from under us as we watched her, the woman who has always been the pillar of strength, now no longer with us.

Every day, she fought not only the excruciating pain of her illness. The battle was relentless, and with every passing moment, she beared a heavy load that no one should have to carry alone.

Despite all of this, she refused to give in.

Even in the face of her own suffering, she kept fighting, holding on to hope with the same fierce determination that has defined her entire life.

It breaks my heart to see her—the woman who spent years lifting others up—no longer here with us. But even in this dark time, she continued to show us the true meaning of strength. She is a warrior, and though the fight is unimaginable, her spirit remained unbroken. All she has ever wanted is to give to others, and now, as we face this painful reality together, we are doing everything we can to give back to her. Her courage is a testament to the depth of her love and the strength of her soul.

We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your help during this incredibly difficult time. My mother’s battle with stage 4 colon cancer and her strokes has placed an immense emotional strain on our family. As we focus on her memory, we are trying to keep up with mounting medical bills.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts for taking the time to read this and for considering a donation. Your kindness and your support mean more to us than words can express. Together, we can give back to my mother the love she has spent her whole life giving to others.

With all my love and gratitude,

Jennifer Villatoro and my family