Manuela “Nellie” Bolanos

Type of Donation:          tissue and corneas

Age and Location:          Age 68 – Bakersfield, CA

Donation Date:             1/09/2016

Sponsor:                   Honored by JJ’s Legacy

MANUELA’S STORY

Manuela “Nellie” Bolanos was born in 1948, she was a child of God, filled with his love and compassion. Nellie married Ruben, the love of her life, in 1966 and it was at this time that she began her greatest accomplishment of being a wife, mother and grandmother. She raised six children, teaching them the importance of family and God’s love. Nellie’s love of children extended beyond home when she began working as a teacher’s aide. She took on many different roles and volunteered countless hours assisting with the Girl Schouts, PTA and served as PTA president for many years. Nellie spent 25 years assisting her husband in making beautiful handmade rosaries in which all proceeds benefitted the Catholic Church.

The joy of her life was watching her 14 grandchildren grow and actively participated in their lives. Nellie’s biggest win in life was being able to say she was a breast cancer survivor. She enjoyed going to Relay for Life every year to participate in the survivor’s lap. Nellie passed away unexpectedly in January 2016. The day before she passed, she had a sense of urgency to have her Advance Directive signed and in it was her wish to be an organ donor. Nellie must have known that she had one final gift to give, and she didn’t want to miss the opportunity to help someone. This was her most selfless act.