Ana Mora, also known as Anita, was a loving, caring, and strong woman. She always put the needs of others first and made sure everyone around her was okay. One of the ways Anita showed her love was through food—everyone loved her cooking. She had a special way of always keeping a warm plate ready for you. She didn’t have much, but whatever she had, she shared generously. When you were around Anita, you couldn’t help but laugh; her humor and joyful spirit filled your heart. Anita meant so much to so many people, especially her children, her family and friends. She was not only a mother, but also a father figure and a grandmother all in one. Words fall short of describing the kind of person Anita Mora was.

The most important thing to Anita was her faith in Jesus Christ, her God. Her faith inspired everyone around her. She remained steadfast in it through both the good times and the difficult ones, continually worshiping and praising God for who He is. Her faith sustained her, giving her strength and purpose throughout her life. She gave thanks to God in every season—both in joy and in hardship, never allowing life’s challenges to weigh her down. Instead, she chose to rejoice in the Lord. Anita was also deeply devoted to her family. She loved and cared for them wholeheartedly. She was the middle child of nine siblings, the mother of four, and the grandmother of six. In her final moments, she did what she loved most—she went to church and praised God with all her heart, then returned home to spend time with her loved ones. I don’t think she would have wanted it any other way.

Anita never mentioned that she was an organ donor, but knowing Ana, she would do anything to help others.