Rosa Emma Durán was born December 28, 1914 in Zacatecoluca, La Paz, El Salvador.

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Rosa was the second daughter of Arcadia Durán. Her older sister was Eufemia (Fema) Durán.

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She was a strong-willed child that contributed to her household at a young age by selling in local markets.

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Rosa grew up in an all-women household, helping each other throughout their lives.

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She sold grains in the markets and eventually opened her "tiendita" (small store) inside the family garage.

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