Avelina Duarte Marin passed away on February 16, 2019, at the age of 95.

She was born in Bachiniva, Chihuahua, Mexico on February 10, 1924. She was married to Luis Jose Marin Corral for 68 years when he passed in June 2008. She legally came to the United States in the early 50's, when her husband Luis gained permanent residency for his family after years of working as a 'Bracero'. They lived in Anthony, New Mexico for several years and eventually settled in Blythe, CA, after her husband worked in California as a migrant worker. Years later, she became a US citizen, a proud accomplishment for everyone.

Avelina is survived by a sister, Jesus Navarette; daughters, Soledad Franco and Carmen (Donald) Keeler; sons, Luis (Elizabeth) Marin Jr., Arturo Marin and Roberto (Yolanda) Marin.

She was a great, great grandmother blessed with 16 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Luis, her daughter Emilia Rodriguez, and five other children who passed away in Mexico as infants.

She was a hard worker and worked in the agriculture industry for many years, which included picking cotton and chilies in Anthony, NM, and picking tomatoes and onions in Blythe, while also hoeing and covering in the watermelon fields.

She was a talented seamstress and made all of her daughter's school dresses without patterns. Her passion was quilting and made countless quilts for all of her children and grandchildren.

She was a great cook and fed many bellies with her homemade specialties; menudo, tamales, chile verde, homemade tortillas, chile rellenos, chile Colorado, and many more dishes.

She had many stories to tell of her childhood in Mexico, her hardships, and experiences during her early years of marriage in Mexico. She was a fun person with a great personality and an infectious smile.

Avelina was an incredibly strong woman who endured a lot of hardships, overcame obstacles beat unbelievable odds and still maintained a positive attitude throughout her life. She was a courageous and proud person. She was a survivor. With her kind and generous heart, she dedicated her life to taking care of those she loved. Her home had a revolving door. No one left her house without being fed and feeling loved. She was everybody's nana and abuelita.

In her last years, she was well cared for by her grandson, Johnny Rodriguez, his wife Angelica, daughter Demi, son Marco and grandson Kaleb. They took her camping, sightseeing, four-wheeling, and showed her lots of TLC. Her granddaughters Lupe and Alice were also there for grandma when she needed them.

She was very active until her last year when she began to slow down and became ill. She was taken from us on February 16th. May she rest in peace.

Thank you to the Blythe Post Acute Nursing Home for taking good care of her and also to the Palo Verde Hospital nurses for their compassionate and excellent care.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, Feb. 28th from 5-8:00 p.m., with the Rosary beginning at 7:0 p.m. at Frye Chapel. A Mass will be held on Friday, Mar. 1st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church with burial services following at Palo Verde Cemetery.