East LA school mourns civil rights icon Dolores Huerta; family ties deepen loss

EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Students and staff at Marianna Avenue Elementary School in East Los Angeles are mourning the passing of civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, whose legacy is prominently displayed on campus through a mural dedicated to her.

The school shares a unique connection to Huerta. Sixth-grade teacher Rafael Rodriguez is married to Huerta's daughter, Maria Elena.

Rodriguez said Huerta's death is a moment of both sadness and gratitude for a life defined by decades of accomplishments.

"Obviously, we're all going through a bit of grief, sorrow. But it's filled with a little bit of joy, knowing that Dolores has lived a momentous life, with all the achievements that she's done throughout the decades," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez was also instrumental in helping bring a mural of Huerta to the school's campus. The artwork was created by local artist Lilia Ramirez, who works under the name Lili Flor and said she had a personal friendship with Huerta.

"Having her, and she was here during the unveiling. It was a 100 year legacy, we wanted to highlight iconic figures that are important to the community and so I painted what the community wanted and, so, they wanted her here." Ramirez said. "I feel very grateful to have even painted her while she was alive."

The mural has become a source of pride for the school community and now serves as a lasting tribute to Huerta.

"We take so much pride in what was created here," said Lynette Vargas, principal of Marianna Avenue Elementary. "She has left a legacy that many will follow."