The Friends of Cozumel family members have heavy hearts after the passing of one of their own, a dedicated and much loved community leader and volunteer. Elena May Mex, age 52, died July 27, 2026 after a brief illness.
Elena got involved in FOC in its early days when sewing classes were held at a partner organization’s childcare facility. As she gained confidence in her new skills, she set a goal of starting a home-based business.
In a FOC blog “Enabling People to Support Their Family” written more than a decade ago https://friendsofcozumel.com/2013/07/13/enabling-people-to-support-their-family-july-2013/ FOC leadership team member Ilene described how Elena acquired a sewing machine at great sacrifice. Elena learned to make patterns and began to construct some of the family’s clothing from donated fabric or repurposed material from other garments. She refined her skills and her home business was launched, sewing and selling school uniform skirts.
“I met Elena around 2007 when we started bringing donations here and doing mission trips,” Ilene said. “She had some classes and learned some of the basics, but she had such a desire to learn more. We encouraged her to take a leadership role in our sewing classes. She was amazing working with those who had never sewn before or had limited skills. Elena shared her knowledge so willingly.”
As Elena became more proficient in her sewing she learned embroidery and made traditional hupil (tunic dresses) and vestidos bordados (embroidered dresses). Her business grew and helped support the household of nine.
When the Covid pandemic hit, tourism plummeted and jobs— as well as Elena’s customers for the elaborate dresses—were lost. But her determination persisted. The family quickly pivoted, finding the necessary fabric and elastic to make masks. Elena got the whole household involved measuring, cutting, ironing and sewing. She turned out hundreds of beautifully embroidered masks. FOC volunteers took them back to the U.S. and returned the proceeds to the family. Elena’s creativity and persistence got the family through dire economic times.
Making embroidered masks helped the family survive serious financial challenges during the pandemic.
“She was the rock to keep the family functioning,” said Susan, an FOC volunteer. “And she always put the needs of others first.”
Susan and husband Mike have been supportive of the family for many years, cheering them on. And Elena didn’t hesitate to give back. She was a dedicated volunteer throughout the years, doing so much for her church and FOC projects.
“She was always sweet and smiling,” said Alfredo, a long time FOC volunteer. “She was a very loving mother. And her work was one of the most cherished professions of our culture: sewing— because our mothers always sewed for us.”
Perhaps one of Elena’s high points as a mother and seamstress was her daughter’s quinceañera. Alondra’s beautiful embroidered dress was an unmistakable testament to her mother’s talent and love.
Elena created her daughter’s quinceañera dress as well as coordinating clothing for the entire family.
“She was always a delight to work with,” said Ilene. “Elena will be greatly missed.”
