María Elvia Amaya Hank was born on February 27 of 1954 in Mexicali, Baja California, but lived most of her life in Tijuana.

A Psychology graduate, she was the president of the Foundation Por Ayudar, through which she helped low income families in Tijuana. Since its creation, the organization donated food to local civil associations like orphanages, churches and soup kitchens.

Mother to 19 children, nine of her own and ten of her husband, businessman Jorge Hank Rhon, she was also the president of the Integral Development of the Family (DIF in Spanish) in Tijuana during her husband's term as the city's mayor from 2004 to 2007.

She was married for 16 years to the Revolutionary Institutional Party's politician (PRI). Just last March the couple was featured on the cover of Caras magazine where they spoke about their family.

In October of 2010 she was diagnosed with leukemia but that did not keep her away from her altruistic work. She supposedly traveled in many occasions to Switzerland to receive treatment for her illness.

During hard times like her husband's arrest in June of 2011, she stood by his side at every moment despite the rumors of her having a relapse after the shocking incident.

Back then, the former First Lady of Tijuana held a press conference to deny the accusations against her husband, she also filed a lawsuit before the Human Rights Commission for the way Hank Rhon was detained.

After his release, they were seen together at a number of social events, concerts and soccer matches.

Early this year it was speculated that she could be trying to be a candidate for the Baja California's Senate but in January of 2012 she denied the rumors.

Back in September of 2011 she was sworn in as Federal Legislator, a position she was appointed to by plurinominal vote. Carmen López Segura, a teacher, will be acting as her substitute in Congress.

Past Saturday, September 08, news of her decease at 57 years of age as a result of the cancer she had long been battling against was confirmed.

In a few hours politicians from all levels expressed their condolences through social networks.

The Mexican president elect, Enrique Peña Nieto, from the same party, did so through Twitter:

"I am sorry for the loss of legislator María Elvia Amaya Hank. My condolences to the Hank Amaya family. May she rest in peace."

The governor of Baja California, José Guadalupe Osuna Millán, praised her dedication to helping others.

"I regret the passing of the lady federal legislator María Elvia Amaya Hank. I extend my sincere condolence to her husband Jorge Hank, to her children and friends and I hope for swift resignation. The dedication Mrs. Hank had to helping others was well known and her parting leaves a gap in the community. May she rest in peace."

Editorial@SanDiegoRed.com

Translation: Karen.balderas@sandiegored.com