October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023
Remembering you on your birthday Aida
The Oregon Labor Movement and worker advocates across the country have seen Aida's impact on the lives of countless workers, and we mourn her loss.
In an effort to remember and memorialize the impact she has made on the state of Oregon and working people, please take a moment to leave a memory or tribute to Aida.
In an effort to remember and memorialize the impact she has made on the state of Oregon and working people, please take a moment to leave a memory or tribute to Aida.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
March 7, 2023
March 7, 2023
Aida was such an inspiration and I envied her passion! Such sadness for so many of the lives she touched. I'm lucky to have been able to cross paths with her for even just a short time.
March 3, 2023
March 3, 2023
I first met Aida over 15 years ago and I have enjoyed every moment of time I spent working with her. She was kind, generous, had great humor, compassion and she was an incredible resource with a never ending supply of knowledge and support for everyone. I feel incredibly lucky to have known her and will miss her terribly.
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
Tía,
This is probably the most difficult thing I've written in my life. This whole week has felt so surreal, so wrong. I just keep thinking about how you used to take care of my brother and I when we were kids. About how you always made sure to talk with me about how my life is going, regardless of how often we have or havent seen each other.
I especially keep thinking about how it is because of you that I ever thought about starting an apprenticeship. And it is all because of one day when you asked me about how I was doing and you listened while I ranted and complained about how much I hated my retail job. Even though I've always been the one family member who is never really around, you still listened and in the end you were willing to give me advice that has ended up changing my life in such a positive way that I can't help but credit you for giving me direction in life.
I never got around to thanking you for this, and now I'll never get the chance to do so. This is something I will regret for the rest of my life. But for the meantime, until we can meet again, I'll try to make you proud. Whether it's by attending union meetings, or trying to become more involved in the labor movement. I will honor your legacy as much as possible, which is the only way I can think of to thank you for leaving such an influence on my life.
Rest In Power Tía Aida. I love you. And I will miss you dearly for the rest of my life.
-JR
This is probably the most difficult thing I've written in my life. This whole week has felt so surreal, so wrong. I just keep thinking about how you used to take care of my brother and I when we were kids. About how you always made sure to talk with me about how my life is going, regardless of how often we have or havent seen each other.
I especially keep thinking about how it is because of you that I ever thought about starting an apprenticeship. And it is all because of one day when you asked me about how I was doing and you listened while I ranted and complained about how much I hated my retail job. Even though I've always been the one family member who is never really around, you still listened and in the end you were willing to give me advice that has ended up changing my life in such a positive way that I can't help but credit you for giving me direction in life.
I never got around to thanking you for this, and now I'll never get the chance to do so. This is something I will regret for the rest of my life. But for the meantime, until we can meet again, I'll try to make you proud. Whether it's by attending union meetings, or trying to become more involved in the labor movement. I will honor your legacy as much as possible, which is the only way I can think of to thank you for leaving such an influence on my life.
Rest In Power Tía Aida. I love you. And I will miss you dearly for the rest of my life.
-JR
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
Aida was the real deal: thoughtful, gracious, passionate, and devoted to bettering the lives of workers. Her warmth and energy lit up every space she entered. Aida knew the power of apprenticeship training and its transformative effects on people's lives. Her spirit lives on and will inspire us to honor her example.
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
Auntie,
When I got the call about you, I instantly felt weak. I was so confused. A part of me was ripped straight from my soul. How could my strong, fearless, untouchable aunt be taken from us this way? While I’ll probably never understand why, I’ll remind myself that you are in a better place with my grandma and grandpa now. That they are now with their baby girl. You have been such an inspiration to me in so many ways. You taught me to never give up, to prove myself wrong, to prove others wrong, and to understand that sometimes it’s okay to reach out for support. Always work harder than the person next to you, and get after it. Your legacy will always be alive and the history you left behind will always be remembered. You impacted so many lives and I hope you’re reading all of the stories and tributes about how you positively affected those around you always. My beautiful auntie your smile, your energy, your one of a kind voice is one of the many things I’ll hold close to my heart always. I feel blessed to have the same Aranda blood running through my veins and I can only hope that I continue to make you proud up above. I love you today, yesterday, forever and always.
Your Niece, Nat
When I got the call about you, I instantly felt weak. I was so confused. A part of me was ripped straight from my soul. How could my strong, fearless, untouchable aunt be taken from us this way? While I’ll probably never understand why, I’ll remind myself that you are in a better place with my grandma and grandpa now. That they are now with their baby girl. You have been such an inspiration to me in so many ways. You taught me to never give up, to prove myself wrong, to prove others wrong, and to understand that sometimes it’s okay to reach out for support. Always work harder than the person next to you, and get after it. Your legacy will always be alive and the history you left behind will always be remembered. You impacted so many lives and I hope you’re reading all of the stories and tributes about how you positively affected those around you always. My beautiful auntie your smile, your energy, your one of a kind voice is one of the many things I’ll hold close to my heart always. I feel blessed to have the same Aranda blood running through my veins and I can only hope that I continue to make you proud up above. I love you today, yesterday, forever and always.
Your Niece, Nat
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
The Labor Movement has lost an amazing person; a good friend; and someone who stood for justice and dignity for all workers. Everyone who knew Aida is better for it; she had a heart of gold but she was nobody’s fool.
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
Our hearts are broken and the pain of her lost is real. Aida, may you Rest In Peace. We miss you now and forever. You showed us what hard work and dedication to a goal is, because you lived what you said. You worked hard for everything you achieved, no one gave you handouts. You believed you could provide a better life for yourself and your son as a single mom when you started out working as a laborer doing hard physical labor even while you were expecting your second child. You earned your way up in your career, so no one could could say it was given to you. You always stood up for the “little guy” and defended what was fair and just. I’m so proud to have had you as my sister in law. RIP , Lucy Aranda
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
This month is women’s history month, and our union’s history IS Aida. She was so needed by our union movement. She had so many accomplishments, with so many more to come that we won’t get to see. Her smile and perpetual positivity will be missed by all of us who knew her. Aida, your hard hat won’t be easy to fill, but the the hole you leave in our hearts will be impossible.
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
Aida was an inspiration to the labor movement. She was someone we could always count on to fight for, represent, and advocate for the working members of all unions. She did her work with a style and grace that was a model to be admired, revered, and followed. Your passing is a huge loss. I will miss you my sister.
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
I was so excited when Aida was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Oregon AFL-CIO - what a brilliant choice for that organization! And what a gift to the rest of us, that she was willing to bring her skills, caring and commitment to that broader arena. Aida was an passionate organizer, educator, and leader. We'll all miss her beautiful smile and powerful presence.
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
Aida was such a powerhouse and someone I admired so much. I enjoyed working her, strategizing about how to bring more diverse women into the Laborers and celebrating the amazing women that went through the program. She made me laugh and I will miss her throaty laugh gravelly voice. She is leaving a legacy of passion for her work. She is a model for other Latina women to look up to and aspire to be. I am so lucky to have know her and to have had the opportunity to have worked alongside her on different projects.
March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023
So sad to hear. I had the pleasure of working with Aida through the years. Her commitment to helping people was second to none. I am proud and honored to have her as my Union Sister. All the best to her family.
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
Sister Aida was a committed member of the labor movement who gave her life to fighting for working people and expanding opportunity through apprenticeships. I feel privileged to have known her and the whole Oregon labor movement is less without her. May her memory be a blessing.
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
Sister Aida, from going through the ten day together, to mobilizing members in colorado, to working together on many projects to help recruit new members and change people’s lives, your dedication, knowledge and passion will always be remembered!
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
Aida was just an awesome person. I met here many years ago through her activism and action in the movement, and was lucky to reconnect with her through apprenticeship the last few years. She is missed and will be forever.
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
Aida, you were an absolute institution for our union. You have touched hundreds of lives through our apprenticeship program, and made such an impact on everyone who came through our doors. I'll always remember you as someone who jumped at the chance to fight for our union and our members, particularly in spreading knowledge about our apprenticeship. I could always rely on you.
We will continue to fight for what's right, in your memory. You will be forever missed.
We will continue to fight for what's right, in your memory. You will be forever missed.
March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023
To my good friend, sister and mentor- knowing you has been a course correcting life changing event for me. I always thought I would have so much time with you, that I'd call you for advice well into our retirement years. I'm going to miss you so much. when I made the switch from working a non union sheet metal company to joining the laborers union you said, "I knew you'd come back to me eventually." and in that moment my life was changed. Like you, I've had an incredible career and you have been with me the entire path. When I left working for the local, we had an argument and I was bummed. My wife, who has watched your influence in my life, was the first to remind me how much you love me. So, when I returned to Liuna, you didn't hesitate- you hugged me and welcomed me back. We've shared many outings, conferences, weekends away. my life has been filled with your voice, laughter and wisdom. I have no idea how I will fill this void you're leaving behind. I know this, I will return to you again, and again. I love you Aida.
February 28, 2023
February 28, 2023
I’m so very sad to hear of her passing. Aida was a fellow board member of the Portland Workforce Alliance. I got to know her over the years and her passion for promoting diversity among career opportunities for young people. She was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed. Aida had a profound impact on those she met.
February 28, 2023
February 28, 2023
Aida, you are an inspiration for me, and will always be. I am grateful that I got the chance to tell you how proud I felt while seeing you impacting the field and advocating for women!
Thanks for everything, for all the meetings, and the spaces we shared at events! Thanks for trusting me from day one with your ongoing project- together we accomplished the expansion! It was an honor to partner with you and I truly enjoyed when we worked together.
My thoughts and prayers are with all your loved ones and with all our partners for such a huge loss, I am very saddened Aida and I look forward to turning this sadness into action so we can continue your legacy!
Tonight I am talking to my girls about Aida Aranda- they got to know about your leadership, great smile, how humble you were, someone smart, capable, someone who trusted others like me to do the work, someone I will always remember.
With Love and Respect, Iliana Fontal.
Thanks for everything, for all the meetings, and the spaces we shared at events! Thanks for trusting me from day one with your ongoing project- together we accomplished the expansion! It was an honor to partner with you and I truly enjoyed when we worked together.
My thoughts and prayers are with all your loved ones and with all our partners for such a huge loss, I am very saddened Aida and I look forward to turning this sadness into action so we can continue your legacy!
Tonight I am talking to my girls about Aida Aranda- they got to know about your leadership, great smile, how humble you were, someone smart, capable, someone who trusted others like me to do the work, someone I will always remember.
With Love and Respect, Iliana Fontal.
February 28, 2023
February 28, 2023
Aida, oh Aida! Damn girl, you were a light. Your smile and authenticity, your fierceness and directness. Your huge, huge heart. Thank you for supporting me so much over the last decade. I’ll never forget you. Your light shines and shines on. Peace, sister.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023
Remembering you on your birthday Aida
March 7, 2023
March 7, 2023
Aida was such an inspiration and I envied her passion! Such sadness for so many of the lives she touched. I'm lucky to have been able to cross paths with her for even just a short time.
March 3, 2023
March 3, 2023
I first met Aida over 15 years ago and I have enjoyed every moment of time I spent working with her. She was kind, generous, had great humor, compassion and she was an incredible resource with a never ending supply of knowledge and support for everyone. I feel incredibly lucky to have known her and will miss her terribly.
Gallery
Aida was a champion when it came to sharing her trade with teachers & counselors!
Recent stories
A leader for all of us
March 2, 2023
by Isaiah Ano
Aida lead by example. She lived and breathed the union and energy like that lightened up the hall with pride anytime she spoke to us. Leadership. Loyalty. Integrity. It was something that was infectious. Representing for all, not just for oneself. We never got to accept our diplomas in person due to covid yet all I wanted to do was give her a hug and a thank you! It always crossed my mind to make that happen. Let her know that the opportunity you gave me changed my life and all that effort she put into building the center into what it is today, all paid off! Rest easy Aida. Thank you.