The mayor tweeted two weeks ago that his mother, Gaby O’Donnel, 61, and her stepfather had tested positive for the virus. At the time, both were in stable condition at Long Beach Memorial Hospital but were on ventilators.
Garcia expected her mother, who was a health worker for more than 25 years, to make a full recovery.
However, on Monday he announced his death in a statement.
“My brother and I are heartbroken. Our mother was the kindest and most compassionate person we have ever met,” the statement said. “She emigrated from Peru to the United States in search of the American dream, and she found it. She became a health worker, caring for thousands of patients throughout her career and helping nurses and doctors whom she loved very much. He loved helping people and lived a happy and joyous life. “
He loved helping people and lived a happy and joyful life. She will always be our guiding light and the center of our lives. My brother and I want to thank the amazing Long Beach Memorial team for caring for our mother during her last days.
– Robert Garcia (@RobertGarciaLB) July 27, 2020
Garcia added that her stepfather, Greg O’Donnell, is still in the hospital with a ventilator.
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