Communities in Ecuador and Chile mourn local figures

The community of Daule, Ecuador, held a funeral for María Elena Barzola Lavalle, a former nurse at the Vicente Pino Morán hospital. Known as ‘la enfermera del pueblo’ (the town's nurse), the 74-year-old was recognized for her four decades of service and her charitable work, which included donating toys to children in need and supporting elderly residents.

In Chile, the Congregation of the Mission – Province of Chile announced the passing of María Inés Martínez Riedemann. A longtime parishioner of the Todos los Santos de Los Lagos Parish, she was honored for her commitment to pastoral life and her role as a benefactor to the community.