Obituary of Antonina Bijarro

Antonina Avitia was born in Laredo, Texas on April 21, 1932. She was born from the union of the late Ignacio and Delores (Ranger) Avitia. Antonina was a good and honest woman who sought spiritual nourishment at the Allience Church of Monroe. She volunteered much of her time there. She was past president of the ladies auxiliary, and loved to sing in the choir. In her quiet time, she enjoyed crocheting and watching soap operas. Antonina enjoyed the love and companionship of her longtime partner Joe Jimenez. She was a loving mother who loved her family. She was employed by MCOP as an interpreter for sixteen years. Antonina Bijarro, age 81 of Monroe passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2014 at Imperial Health Care Center in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by brothers, Roberto Avitia and Paul Avitia, sisters, Mary Martinez and Pauline Bijarro, one son, Ignacio Bijarro Sr. and her first husband Henry Bijarro. To cherish her memory Antonina leaves three sons: Joe Henry (Diane) Bijarro of Kentucky, Romiro (Sue) Bijarro of Newport, Michigan, and David Bijarro of Monroe, Michigan. A brother: Ignacio Avitia of Texas, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her life partner Joe Jimenez. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Monday, March 3, 2014 at Merkel Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 11:00am. Pastor Rexford Jones from Bethany Baptist Church will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park for burial.