R.I.P. Magdalena Barrena (1933-2012)

I am so sorry for the lack of posts lately.
On September 29 of 2011 my mom, Magdalena Barrena, was diagnosed with cancer.  I was able to go to Mexico City  many times. We were also able to spend Christmas and New Year with her.  She was so happy to have her kids and grandchildren with her.
She passed away on January 20.  My brother and I were able to spend that last week with my mom and tell her how much we loved her.  We shared so many great memories together. She died in peace and with no pain. She was ready to join my dad in heaven.
Today, in the first month of her departure, I want to remember her in this blog. I want to share some of the highlights of her life:
*She was born in Mexico City on July 24,1933. She had 6 siblings (2 of which died very young).
*She was married to my dad Juan Muldoon for 50 years (he passed away in October 2007).
*She founded Mercart in November of 1970 with the mission to offer only the finest crafts.
*She had 2 kids (my bother Juan and I) and 6 grandkids.
*She introduced the tools and pewter for Metal Embossing in Mexico more than 20 years ago. She was the fisrt person I learned the technique from.
*On October 2010 she was in a car crash that could have killed  or left her paraplegic, as she broke her 2nd vertebrae. She had an amazing recovery after surgery and  used her last year to do great things: go to her grandchild's wedding,  go to the US Open in NY, travel to TX and PA and....open a new store!!!!
She will always be remebererd for her generosity, easy smile, strenght, faith, positive attitude, good sense of humor and for her example of dedication and hard work.

It will be hard to follow such a great role model but I will do my best to honor her by working hard to keep Mercart USA and Mercart Mexico as a place for creativity and the expression of fine crafts.
Thank you,
Magdalena Muldoon