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Carrillo 'stood up for all Latinos'

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By JESSICA BALANZA

jbalanza@tampatrib.com

Published: June 7, 2009

CARROLLWOOD - Hundreds attended the memorial of Maria Esther Carrillo to honor and show respect for the woman who has done so much for the Hispanic community.

The private bilingual service began about 2:30 p.m. and packed the entire space of Iglesia Bautista de Carrollwood, 2905 Smitter Road. A public viewing and service followed at 6 p.m.

The memorial was filled with family, friends and community leaders. Many wore shirts representing the nonprofit organization she founded, Taller Inter-Cultural Hispano Americano, or TICH. Others wore pins with Carrillo's face and a ribbon with the TICH colors. Youngsters of the Hispanic Youth Voice, another group under the TICH umbrella, had special shirts made in her honor.

"This has definitely brought us closer," said Jennifer Giraldo, 18, director of the Hispanic Youth Voice. "Some of the older members who were graduating and getting ready to leave are now trying to keep going with the dream."

Carrillo died last week while in Miami with her daughter Liliana, 17, to receive a Hispanic scholarship award. During the trip, while standing on a sidewalk, the two were struck by a truck that lost control after being in a two-vehicle accident.

Liliana Carrillo's condition was not available Saturday. A spokeswoman for Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami said Liliana's father, Francisco, had requested that no information be released on his daughter.

The memorial offered remembrance and insight about Carrillo's legacy and faith. Details such as her favorite Psalm 71 and hymn "Great is thy Faithfulness" were shared.

And the youths influenced by her program spoke about what Carrillo meant to them.

"She stood up for us and all Latinos," said Julian Cardona, 18, of Hispanic Youth Voice. "She opened doors for me that I thought were closed."

TO MAKE DONATIONS

•Deposits can be made at any Regions Bank branch to Friends of the Carrillo family, account No. 111480920.

•Donations also can be made by mail to the Carrillo family attorney's office at:

Sanchez Law Offices, P.A.

114 S. Freemont Ave.

Tampa FL 33606

Reporter Jessica Balanza can be reached at (727) 451-2342.

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