They tested positive for the coronavirus on Nov. 6, after a trip to California to attend their uncle’s funeral, their brother Daniel Trevino told CNN.
Adelita died of the virus at Ascension Borgess Hospital on November 29. Her brother died at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital a week later, hours after his sister’s funeral, their sister Jesusa Vela said.
“I don’t wish this on anyone,” said Trevino. “My sister was 39 and my brother was 35. Quite young. They still had a lot of life in them. And unfortunately their lives were cut short because of the virus.”
Adelita presented all the symptoms of the virus, from fever to physical pain, Vela said. She was hospitalized the same day she tested positive and never left, Vela said.
Her brother, Nicolas, was admitted the next day and quarantined. He returned to the hospital a week later when his condition deteriorated, Vela told CNN.
The brother and sister were neighbors in Hartford, Michigan. Both only raised children as single parents, with a total of 11 children between the two.
“They were always at home together,” said Vela. “They really enjoyed barbecuing. Lita was always there. They barbecued almost every weekend. They did a lot together.”
Vela says the two were dumb and fun when they were together. They especially loved their children and were devoted to their families.
Not being able to visit their loved ones in person due to hospital guidelines during the pandemic, the family spoke to each sibling via video calls and prayed for them while fighting the virus with fans and life support.
The family thanks their congregation for their support in a difficult time. They hope their story can serve as a cautionary tale for families thinking of getting together for the holidays and encouraging others to follow public health guidelines.
“The mask is temporary,” said Trevino. “If you lose someone, they won’t come back.”