Patricia Yurrita

Patricia Yurrita, passionate fighter for justice, and loving mom and abuela, passed away June 1, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. Patricia was a revolutionary in every sense of the word. She was born October 6,1955 in Guatemala to Francisco and Madaline Yurrita. In her formative years she bravely rallied against the military dictatorship in her home country, risking her life by participating in protests against the Mayan Genocide during the Guatamalan Civil War. She attended the University of San Carlos of Guatemala where she joined a revolutionary theater group that held workshops and street performances to raise awareness of the violence. In 1981, Patricia emigrated to the United States where she continued her advocacy for the Latino community. She worked for a time at El Rescate Nova, caring for Central American refugees. She then started a decades-long career in the public school system, where she fiercely advocated for all students, especially those that newly immigrated to the U.S. As President of the Hispanic Parents Association, she worked to improve educational opportunities for Latino students by engaging parents and removing barriers to accessing educational services. The Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools publicly recognized her for her contributions to the Superintendent's Advisory Committee on the Elimination of the Achievement Gap. Patricia, a resilient single mother, raised three children with unwavering love and was a second parent to many more. Her home served as a sanctuary for those in need, always open and welcoming. Patricia instilled in her children the importance of standing up for their convictions and fighting for what they believe in. These values have become guiding lights in the lives of her children, illuminating paths of purpose and integrity. Throughout her battle with cancer over the past four years, Patricia exhibited the same strength and courage that characterized her lifelong fight for justice and advocacy, inspiring all who knew her with her resilience and determination. She is survived by her three kids: Gabriel, Andrea, and Javier Alegrett, as well as four grandchildren.