Advocate for women was 'leader, beacon'

The death of Esther Chavez Cano, founder of Casa Amiga in Juárez, made headlines around the world. Chavez, 76, a prominent activist, died Dec. 25 from cancer complications. Friends and relatives paid tribute to her work Sunday at Casa Amiga and at her funeral Mass at the Nuestro Señor de Misericordia Catholic Church in central Juárez. Her body was to be cremated. Eve Ensler, creator of the "Vagina Monologues," posted a tribute to Chavez on her Web site www.vday.org. "One of my greatest memories of Esther is when we marched together in Juárez, thousands coming from all over the country and the world to demand justice and freedom," Ensler said. "She gave her life for the women and girls of Juárez. She taught me about service and humility and kindness. She was a force in our movement, a leader and a beacon and we will miss her terribly."