Disney Pixar's animated film 'Coco' was released in 2017 and was a roaring success. Viewers fell in love with its characters, especially the grandmother who gave the feature film its name, 'Mama Coco'.

The elderly woman who inspired the studio to base its character, Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, has passed away in Michoacan (Mexico) at the age of 109.

Her contribution to the film has never been officially recognized. Still, Pixar did explain that in the process of documenting the film it spoke with numerous families in the area, including that of Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero. The real-life 'Mama Coco' was a ceramic potter with three children.

Their similarities in appearance are more than glaring and, in fact, her home was an attraction for tourists who came to her town, Santa Fe de la Laguna.

Her family has been working, unsuccessfully, since the release of the film, in 2017, for Disney Pixar to recognize that it was based on the elderly woman.

Condolences from the Secretary of Tourism

Roberto Monroy, Secretary of Tourism of the state of Michoacan, has mourned the farewell of the dear old woman.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Maria Salud Ramirez Caballero, 'Mama Coco', a tireless woman and example of life, who was the inspiration for this beloved character that went around the world," he said.

"I pray for her eternal rest and for her family to find peace of mind."