Costa Rican author Carmen Naranjo dies

Writer and former Culture Minister Carmen Naranjo died Wednesday at the age of 83, the Culture Ministry stated Wednesday. 

Culture Minister Manuel Obregón called Naranjo’s death from cancer “a huge loss for the country and for national culture.”

Naranjo was one of Costa Rica’s most prominent literary figures and authored several acclaimed works. She served the country not only as a writer and minister but also as an ambassador in Israel and in administrative positions in the Social Security System, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute and regional UNICEF programs.

After a tribute and viewing of her body at the National Theater on Wednesday, Naranjo will be cremated and her remains will be buried Thursday.