Ines ESCOBAR

WILLIAMSBURG - Ines Larrarte Escobar, 71 of Williamsburg, died peacefully in her home on Nov. 24, with her family by her side.
Ines was born on Oct. 7, 1938, in Bogota, Colombia, daughter of Hector Larrarte and Lila Camejo and the oldest of five children. She married Dr. Prospero Escobar and they emigrated to the United States in 1965 with the vision to provide a better life for their children. They succeeded in achieving the American dream and were longtime residents of Tidewater, Va.
Ines is fondly remembered as a devoted mother who dedicated her life to her family. She was characterized by her unconditional love, strength and support, sense of humor and fun, limitless patience and sound advice. As a central figure, she bridged the distance between her family in the U.S. and Colombia.
Ines was known for her generosity to many including those new to the U.S. She served more than 26 years as a volunteer for Meals-On-Wheels, shared her creative talents by teaching art at James City County Jail, provided Spanish interpretation for various organizations, and offered disaster relief after Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina. She generously donated to Special Olympics and Fundacion de Los Andes, which serves street children in Colombia. She expressed her artistic talents in many forms and encouraged others to do the same.
Ines' life reflected her unwavering faith in God which impacted all who knew her. She lived life courageously as she faced many challenges including her seventeen year-long journey with breast cancer. Ines' life inspired many.
Her legacy will live on through her children, Eleonora Escobar Link, Maria Claudia Escobar, Gerald Escobar; her grandchildren, Alex and Austin Link, and Andrew Escobar; her son-in-law, Phillip Link; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Escobar; and her siblings, Cecilia Leclercq, Hector Larrarte, Marlene Larrarte and Jairo Larrarte.
In celebration of her life, a funeral mass, presided by Father James Curran, will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at St. Bede's Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, Va.
Ines requested that in lieu of flowers a donation may be made in support of her grandson, Alex Link, with special needs. Please make check payable to: Alexander Dean Link Contribution Fund and mail to Bank of America, 1310 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, VA, 23185. Checks may be mailed at the address provided or deposits made at any Bank of America with the name of the contribution fund and stating that it was opened in Virginia. Online condolences may be made at www.nelsencares.com. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.