Afra Viramontes, née Ortega, age 85, of Zion, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at RUSH Memorial Hospital in Chicago, surrounded by her family.

Afra was born on February 24, 1940, in Jalpa, Zacatecas, Mexico, to Jesus and Maria de Jesus Ortega. One of twelve siblings, Afra's early years were filled with family, faith, and the strong roots of her Mexican heritage. She later journeyed to California, where she married the love of her life, Manuel Viramontes. They married on November 18, 1961, and started a beautiful life together. Soon after, they settled in Mundelein, Illinois, and raised five children—four sons and a daughter. Afra and Manuel shared 57 years of marriage until his passing in 2019.

Afra will be remembered as a gentle, loving soul whose heart was as boundless as her patience. Her presence was a blessing to everyone who knew her. With quiet strength and unwavering devotion, she nurtured her family with deep faith, humility, and kindness. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen and loved, and her greatest joy came from caring for her children and grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Afra held many roles—she worked as a teacher's aide and in factory settings—but her most treasured title was "Grandma." Her six grandchildren brought endless light to her life.

She is survived by her sons; Andres (Lisa), Solomon (Johanna), Eliseo, and Jacob (Tracy); her grandchildren; Cameron, Annalisa, Nicholas, Ayden, Isabella, and Conner; her brother, Ananias Ortega; brother-in-law, Richard Viramontes; and many nephews, nieces, and extended family members who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel; her daughter, Sheri Higgins; and her siblings, Rebeca, Agueda, Jesus, Carmen, Martha, Jacinto, Misael, Albertina, and Azarias.

Afra's life will be honored in a Celebration of Life at her family's home. Her memory will be cherished, her presence deeply missed, and her spirit forever a guiding light for her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.