María Ramírez, woman who inspired ‘Mamá Coco’, died

The tragic events have not stopped this weekend and today we have to say goodbye to the original Mama Coco (Ana Ofelia Murguia), María Salud Ramírez Caballero. The sad news was shared by the Secretary of Tourism of Michoacán, Roberto Monroy. The media details that the great ladyoriginally from the Purépecha people of Santa Fe de la Laguna in the municipality of Quiroga, in Michoacán, passed away at 109 years of age. We hope that the theme “Remember me” sounds strong in heaven to receive it.

Maria Ramirez She was born on September 16, 1913 and people described her as a strong woman and an example of life. The lady dedicated herself to pottery and the home and was in charge of raising her family, together with whom she lived in her hometown. Her granddaughter, Paty Pérez, told El País that her nanny tried to watch the Disney Pixar movie one day, but she fell asleep.

In 2017 the movie Coco was released from Disney Pixar studios, Directed by Lee Unkrich. The story focuses on Miguel, a boy who is passionate about the music of Ernesto de la Cruz, but who cannot demonstrate his guitar playing skills because his family is prohibited from any sound resembling a melody, due to the fact that the patriarch of the family, who was also a musician, abandoned them and never came back. The film featured the participation of Gael García Bernal, who lent his voice in both English and Spanish.

Mama Coco is a character inspired by Mrs. María Ramírezboth physically and in his life story. After the premiere of the film that exposed the Mexican tradition of Day of the DeadDoña María became famous and people visited her to take pictures with her. Even in Quiroga, the municipality where she lived, many people dedicated themselves to making merchandise for the Italians, Chinese, Japanese and all foreigners who were going to visit her. “They even asked her to take them to see her face,” the granddaughter told El País.

The secretary of tourism of Michoacán, who was in charge of spreading the news on his social networks, commented: “I deeply regret the death of Doña María Salud Ramírez Caballero, ‘mamá Coco’, tireless woman and example of life, who was the inspiration for this beloved character who went around the world. My prayers for his rest and for his family to find resignation.” So far neither the Disney accounts nor Lee Unkrich have mentioned anything.

We all remember Mama Coco with great affection. and we can’t help but shed a tear when we hear the song “Remember Me” from the movie, and in the same way we will always keep in mind Doña María Ramírez, who was the inspiration for such a memorable character in animated film. Rest in peace Mrs. María Salud Ramírez Caballero.