During Antonio’s first year, Juan left his young family to migrate to Canada in order to give his family a better future. In April 1970, Renee (and Antonio) joined Juan in Canada. Little did they know that the “welcome home” celebration between them would result in Renee becoming pregnant with their second child soon.

Like most immigrants, Juan worked an insane amount of hours trying to build a future and life for his family. While Juan worked, Renee took care of the home and Antonio. Juan’s parents and siblings would all migrate to Canada a short while later and would all come to live with Renee and Juan at one point or another. Typical of Renee, she immediately became everyone’s caregiver and ultimately, Command Central. She did the groceries, made food, ensured everyone ate, had clean clothes and slept well and entertained, all while she took care of Antonio and helped Juana (Alberto’s wife) take care of their first born, Tamara, who would become Renee’s Goddaughter. Though life was chaotic and tiring (Renee was 2 months pregnant), it was very fulfilling. She was a natural and thrived when it came to taking care of others.

Soon after she was blessed with her second son, Jose and 3 years later her daughter, Alicia was born.

Renée and Juan would eventually divorce 7 years after the birth of their 3rd child. Renee would become a single mom raising her 3 children virtually by herself. She was gentle and as tough as nails when she needed to be. She would eventually become a grandmother to her first born grandchild Cassandra and assume yet again the role of caregiver. Cassandra would become the “Apple of her eye” and Renée played a huge part in her upbringing. Renée would be blessed with 3 more grandchildren and she loved every single one as much as her first as she played an important role in their lives as well.

Renée’s heart was as big as life and although she did not have very much, her giving nature helped many in need. She was the champion of the “under dogs” or those less fortunate as she would offer a warm meal, advice or a bed to sleep in even if it meant giving up her own room. Her rules in life were simple, family always first (siempre unidos) speak from the heart, follow your dreams and never give up. Those words were her legacy. Renée was plagued by various illnesses at a very young age and yet her fighting spirit against all odds managed to survive until the age of 72.