Helen Fabela Chavez, the wife of labor rights icon Cesar Chavez, died on Monday, June 6.

Passing at 88 Years Old

In a statement from the Cesar Chavez Foundation, Helen, at 88 years old, passed away at a Bakersfield, Calif., hospital, where she was accompanied by many of her family members.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Quiet, Humbled, Fiercely Determined

Helen has been recognized for supporting her husband in the development of the first farm workers union in U.S. history, which became the United Farm Workers of America. In a statement released on Tuesday, she was characterized as: "Quiet and humble but fiercely determined and strong willed, Helen didn't speak in public, but held deep convictions."

The UFW noted she had an arrangement with Cesar, allowing him to be a public figure while he respects her privacy. She didn't speak at public functions or engaged in news interviews.

"Her consistent humility, selflessness, quiet heroism and fiery perseverance were at the heart of the movement she helped build. Her consistent humility, selflessness, quiet heroism and fiery perseverance were at the heart of the movement she helped build," a statement read, acknowledging her involvement in the Delano grape strike, protesting before sunrise all while still being a mother to her children and caring for many of the volunteers.

The Chavez Foundation announced further details on funeral services will be released later on Tuesday.

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