MEMORIAL RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE OF MARIA DEL CARMEN AYALA
WHEREAS, Maria Del Carmen Ayala, mother, activist, and role model, passed away at the age of 61 years; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of Maria's passing by the Honorable Michael D. Rodriguez, Alderman of the 22nd Ward; and
WHEREAS, Maria was born in Mexico City on January 9th, 1960, where she was raised as one of 11 children; she emigrated to the United States for the first time in 1981 when she was 21 and would move back and forth between her home country and the United States from 1981 to 1998 when she was a single parent with six children; Maria settled in Chicago in 1999 and had two more children; and
WHEREAS, During her lifetime, Maria volunteered with many organizations and became a parent leader; from 1999 to 2006 she volunteered at St. Pius V Catholic Church where she helped feed the homeless and took part in many events created for the Pilsen community; Maria became a pillar ofthe community and a mural was painted across the street from the church in her likeness to honor her dedication; and
WHEREAS, Maria moved on to El Hogar Del Nino where she worked as a janitor for 16 years, helping kitchen staff and teachers organize and prepare for young children's education; she was also a parent volunteer at her children's elementary school, Eli Whitney Public School; in everything she did, she always stood up for her beliefs and made sure her voice was heard; and
WHEREAS, Maria was also an active block club leader and was involved with the community organization, Enlace, where she volunteered with community gardens; Maria took part in most local protests and events hosted by Enlace, and, in 2013, was presented with the Spirit Award in recognition for her contribution and dedication to the Little Village community; and
WHEREAS, Maria was an inspiration to others and was able to accomplish so much in spite of her health issues; she set a great example for those around her, espe...
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