Hermilda de los Dolores Gaviria Berrío is not only known for being the mother of Pablo Escobar, the infamous Colombian drug lord, but also for her own story of resilience and moral complexity in a time of great turmoil in Colombia.
This article explores her life from its beginnings, her relationship with her family, her role during and after her son’s criminal life, and her legacy.
◍ Hermilda de los Dolores Gaviria Berrío’s Biography
Hermilda de los Dolores Gaviria Berrío was born around 1917 in Colombia and became a notable figure in her country’s history, mainly for being the mother of Pablo Escobar, one of the world’s most infamous drug traffickers.
Her life, though often overshadowed by her son’s actions, reveals the complexity of a woman balancing her role as a mother with the tensions of living in a society affected by organized crime.
From a young age, Hermilda was dedicated to education, working as a teacher in rural areas of Antioquia. This commitment to teaching reflects her desire to positively contribute to her community amidst limited opportunities in her environment.
Her career as an educator took her to various challenging places where, in addition to educating the youth, she faced significant adversities due to Colombia’s political and social situation at the time.
Hermilda married Abel de Jesús Escobar Echeverri, and together they had seven children. The family initially lived in poverty, and their lives were marked by forced displacements due to political tensions in the country.
These challenges not only shaped her character as a mother and educator but also profoundly influenced the life trajectories of her children.
Throughout her son Pablo’s most tumultuous years, Hermilda remained a staunch defender of him, insisting on his innocence and rejecting the public image formed around his criminal activities.
Her unwavering support for Pablo manifested in multiple ways, including her advocacy for legitimizing social works funded with drug money and her insistence on preserving her son’s positive memory despite his notorious crimes.
◍ What Was the Cause of Her Death?
Hermilda de los Dolores Gaviria Berrío passed away on October 26, 2006, in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia. The cause of her death was a cardiopulmonary arrest complicated by a long battle with diabetes.
She died at the age of 89, after living a life marked by personal challenges and public controversies surrounding her family, especially her son Pablo Escobar.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect multiple organs and systems of the body over time and contributed to cardiovascular complications that eventually led to her death.
Her health had been declining for several years before her passing, reflecting the harsh reality of this disease.
Her death marked the end of an era for the Escobar family, thus closing a chapter filled with notoriety and conflicts.
She was buried in the Montesacro Gardens Cemetery in Itagüí, alongside her son Pablo, ensuring their connection remained intact even after death.
◍ Hermilda de los Dolores Gaviria Berrío’s Children
Hermilda de los Dolores Gaviria Berrío and Abel de Jesús Escobar Echeverri were parents to seven children, making for a large family with a life full of challenges.
In addition to Pablo, Hermilda’s children include Roberto Escobar, who was also involved in Medellín Cartel activities and is known by his nickname “El Osito” (The Little Bear).
Roberto played a significant role in the cartel’s operations, though later distanced himself from the criminal world and focused on legal projects and recounting his family’s story from an insider’s perspective.
Alba Marina Escobar, another of her daughters, was also involved in some logistical aspects of the cartel led by her brother.
Luis Fernando Escobar, Argemiro Escobar, Luz María Escobar, and Gloria Inés Escobar are Hermilda’s other children, but each led more discreet and private lives, away from the public scrutiny that accompanied Pablo.
Little is publicly known about these family members, as they have maintained a low profile regarding their personal and professional lives.
The family faced numerous challenges, not only due to the criminal activities associated with some of its members but also due to the stigma and consequences following the cartel’s downfall.
However, despite the controversies and turbulent environment they lived in, Hermilda always remained a figure of support and loyalty to her family, demonstrating unwavering maternal strength in the face of adversity.
◍ Pablo Escobar’s Mother Always Defended Him
Hermilda was known for her unwavering defense of her son throughout her life, even in the face of numerous accusations and evidence of his criminal activities as the head of the Medellín Cartel.
She always maintained that Pablo was a victim of unjust circumstances and insisted that her son was essentially a good person, despite his global infamy.
This steadfast defense was evident even in the most critical moments of Pablo’s life. Hermilda not only denied accusations against him but also actively worked to clear his name after his death.
Her faith in her son’s goodness was so deep that she even made symbolic gestures like sleeping with Pablo’s shirts to feel his presence and keep his memory alive.
Furthermore, she fought for the legitimacy of social works funded by drug money, seeing them as evidence of Pablo’s good heart.
This unconditional support for her son reflects the complexity of family ties and the moral dilemma of a mother torn between love for her son and the reality of his actions.
Her constant defense not only showcases the depth of her maternal love but also how challenging and complicated this relationship can be under extreme circumstances.