The inspiration behind Pixar movie Coco’s “Mama Coco,” Dona María Salud Ramírez Caballero from Michoacán, died at the age of 109 this weekend. Read on to learn how did real-life Mama Coco die, what happened to her, and what was the cause of her death.
The old lady passed away without the animation studio ever recognizing her contribution to the film. Regardless of that, she became known as Mama Coco worldwide and became a tourist attraction.
Who was María Salud Ramírez Caballero a.k.a Mamá Coco?
María Salud Ramírez Caballero was the Mexican woman who inspired the character of “Mamá Coco” in the Pixar movie “Coco” (2017). She was born in Santa Fe de la Laguna in 1913. The animation studio confirmed that it traveled to several Mexican states to document the Day of the Dead traditions.
The representatives even lived with several local families including the family of María Salud Ramírez. When the movie launched, Mamá Coco was seen as the grandmother of the protagonist, “Miguel.” She was able to cross to the world of the dead to meet his great-grandparents.
Fans were quick to spot the similarities between the Mexican grandmother Ramírez Cabellero and Mamá Coco in the movie. However, Pixar never officially acknowledged that the character was inspired by her.
The old woman dedicated her life to pottery with her husband and raised three children. She also cared for numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her granddaughter Paty once confirmed that the family had stopped seeking recognition.
Mama Coco Death: How did María Salud Ramírez Caballero die?
María Salud Ramírez Caballero a.k.a real-life Mamá Coco died on Sunday, October 16, 2022. She was 109 years old at the time of her death. The Mexican grandmother passed away in the same town where she was born- Santa Fe de la Laguna, in the state of Michoacán.
The heartbreaking news of Mamá Coco’s death was confirmed by Roberto Monroy, Secretary of Tourism for Michoacán. He described the old lady as a “tireless woman and life model” who inspired the “beloved character” in the Pixar movie.
At the end of the movie Coco, the character depicted traits of dementia which was never confirmed. She eventually passed away of old age but is reunited with her family in another world.
In real life, María Salud Ramírez Caballero also showed traits of dementia or other neurological disorders as she had forgotten about her young days. Coincidentally, she also died of natural causes due to old age.
Tributes Emerge for Mama Coco from Across the World
However, Ramírez Cabellero became known as Mamá Coco after that. She spent her days sitting next to a huge movie poster as tourists from across the world took photos with her and paid a few pesos.
Tributes for the late Mama Coco are coming from across the globe as fans loved her a lot.
The funeral arrangements for the old lady are unknown at this time. The family is likely planning a grand ritual to honor her legacy. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family who lost the elderly figure. May her departed soul rest in peace.