Aurora “Loy” Solano De Paz, of Chicago, Illinois, went to heaven on Sunday, April 25, 2021.
She was born in Vicente Guerrero, Durango México on June 22, 1929 to parents Juan Solano and Guadalupe Flores. Aurora completed her primary and secondary education and served as an educator in Vicente Guerrero, Durango Mexico prior to moving to the United States. She also was a shortstop on her local baseball team in Mexico. In 1948, Aurora married León Paz Sr.
Soon after their nuptials, the couple ventured to the United States to settle in Chicago, Illinois where they established La Pesca, one of the early tortilla businesses in Chicago’s burgeoning Mexican community. Eventually, Aurora and her husband moved their business to Chicago’s Pilsen community in 1952 and renamed it as Molino Durango. Aurora and Leon operated this venture for about two decades. The small business sustained their family, employed neighborhood residents, and supplied delicious tortillas as far north as Wisconsin and helped other local entrepreneurs enter the tortilla market.
Aurora and Leon had five children—Cecilia (deceased), Juan (deceased), Guadalupe, Leon (deceased), and Daniel (deceased). All were active as a family in the St. Procopius parish community.
Aurora, or “Loy” as she is known by her family, is survived by her daughter Guadalupe, her Sister Maria Elena Chavez, her brother Jaime Solano, many nieces and nephews, and her beloved 14 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren—most of which she held in her famed rebozo. As matriarch for the family, she counseled her children, grandchildren, and was a friend to many in the community.
Funeral Service: Celebration of Life Mass for Aurora will take place at St. Procopius Church 1200 West 18 th Street (Corner of 18 th Street and Allport Street) Chicago, Illinois 60608 on Monday, May 3, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery 87 th and Pulaski Road, Evergreen Park, Illinois.
**Please be respectful of the wishes of the family. Please follow social distancing guidelines & wear your face mask at all times. As much as the family would love to receive your hugs it’s important to provide safety for all.
Due to the State of Illinois COVID-19 guidelines, No Children under 13 years old can be accommodated for safety reasons.
For those wishing to pay their respects, only 50 people at a time will be allowed at a time. This does not include funeral home Associates or clergy/celebrant or church staff.
Funeral Associates will be directing those paying respects upon entering the church. ALL ATTENDEES must cover using mouth-face mask covers, respect social distancing and use of hand sanitizers. **According to the regulations CDC; the Archdiocese of Chicago, Churches and Cemeteries due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, those attending the church services, ALL ATTENDEES must cover using mouth-face mask covers, use of hand sanitizers and respect the social distancing at all times. Must sign in at entrance of church with Funeral Associates.
We kindly ask to keep your visitation very brief to allow all other guests to pay their respects and to minimize those people that are waiting outside of the church. Thank you for your cooperation during these difficult times.
