Today marks the loss of a true inspiration; Raquel Maria Montesdeoca de Bastidas dies just two days shy of her birthday, after succumbing to a five-year long battle with cancer.
Born May 10, 1959, Bastidas was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at the early age of 38; yet in her final years, continued to serve as a symbol of strength and hope to family and friends.
Although the second-youngest of eight, Bastidas was immediately characterized as the trophy child from an early age.
“She was definitely the favorite; everybody loved her, she was the social, outgoing, funny one…she was just so easy to love” stated Sonia Nuques, Raquel’s younger sister.
Growing up, Bastidas’ interest in fashion grew intensely during her college years. So much so, that she dropped out of school at age 20 and decided to open up her first business.
The clothing boutique was located in Bastidas’ hometown of Guayaquil, Ecuador, and remained there for over 20 years.
“It was her passion. She worked so hard for her customers, making everything by hand. She loved what she did, and she was good at it” said Nuques.
Among her other accomplishments, Bastidas worked as a Treasurer for the Lions Club of Guayaquil, where she met her husband, Edward Bastidas.
“The Lions is basically a volunteer organization. They’re all around the world; made up of people who volunteer to help the less-fortunate” said Nuques.
“Raquel would organize assemblies and parties to raise money and clothing donations…she always gave without any intention of getting anything in return” she added.
When she grew tired of the city life, Bastidas fled to Balzar, where she owned a 50 acre farm. In addition to serving as a form of escape, the farm allowed Bastidas to establish a small business growing chickens and selling them to local restaurants.
When she wasn’t juggling all the tasks of farm work, volunteering and running a business, Bastidas’ true love lied in her role as a mother.
Married at the age of 21, Bastidas and her husband Edward were fortunately blessed with three children throughout their marriage; two girls and a boy.
“Raquel would work in the city, at the ranch…she would work so hard so that her children could have the best education and the best future; she would just do anything for her kids” stated Renata Lopez, Bastidas’ youngest sister.
Lopez added, “even in her final days, it was more important to buy them (her children) books and luxuries than to spend money on her medicine. She was in so much pain, but refused to show it…she stayed strong for her kids.”
Bastidas’ children, Michelle, Stephanie, and Carlos, continue to mirror their mother’s endless willpower in their own life excursions.
Now in their late twenties, all three children have chosen career paths within the medical field, in hopes that they can help others just as their mother did.
On behalf of her siblings, Michelle states, “even towards the very end, our mother was so full of life. She was so sick and yet so happy and joyful; always smiling and laughing, so strong and fearless. She showed us how to truly live, even in the hardest of times.