Farmworkers Self-Help, Inc.

Maria Adela Hernandez De Medrano
1960 - 2008It is with much sorrow that we report the passing of a dear friend. Adela Medrano, a long-time supporter and board member of FSH, was killed over the Labor Day weekend when the truck she was riding in lost control and hit a tree. Ms. Medrano was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the truck and died at the scene. Adela has served on Farmworker Self-Help's board of directors for several years as secretary and has been my friend for many years.

How do I describe the loss of a good friend and neighbor? The first time I met Adela she was just a young girl. I watched her raise her children, work as a farmworker, and finally become a manager of housekeeping at Saddlebrook Resort here in Pasco county.

Adela was the mother of nine children and several grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. Life was hard for Adela but she never gave up. She died a single mom, raising her children and grandchildren with great sacrifice and courage.

She was more than just a member of our Board of Directors. She was a friend who marched with me, helped with children's church and was often in Tallahassee with me, always working to be the example that her children needed to see, feel and know.

I will miss you, my friend. Thank you for your support that helped to carry me through all those early years when we both learned to spread our wings.

-- Margarita