Mexico mourns the death of Marie-Jo Paz

Marie-Jo Paz

, widow to the famous Mexican author Octavio Paz , passed away today, according to a statement by the Minister of Culture, María Cristina García Cepeda .

“I deeply regret the passing of Marie-Jo Paz, widow to Octavio Paz, and a very dear friend of mine. I extend my condolences to her close friends as well as the intellectual community,” tweeted García Cepeda.

Mexico’s Ministry of Culture reported that Marie-Jo was found dead at 11:00 am in her home. Upon instructions of María Cristina García Cepeda, the institution will follow all necessary legal protocols and inform on the time and place of the funeral later in the day.

The President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto tweeted: “I mourn the loss of Marie-Jo, Octavio Paz’s endearing life partner and an important member of Mexico’s cultural community. I extend my condolences to her family and friends.”

The world-renowned historian Enrique Krauze recalled Paz’s words about his beloved wife: “Besides being born, she was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Marie-Jo Paz had been married to a French diplomat , when in 1962 , she met the author of The Labyrinth of Solitude at the Sunder Nagar neighborhood in New Delhi . Marie-Jo and Octavio would meet again a few months later in Paris .

Today, she is remembered by accomplished writers and thinkers all over the world. Marie-Jo Paz will never be forgotten.

Readers pay homage to Carlos Fuentes in Paris

dm