María Esther Zuno

María Esther Zuno Arce (8 December 1924 – 4 December 1999) was the wife of Mexican President Luis Echeverría and the first lady of Mexico from 1970 to 1976. She refused to adopt the standard title of primera dama (first lady), preferring to be called compañera (meaning partner, companion, or comrade). She was known for her efforts to support women's rights and social welfare in Mexico.

Early life María Esther Zuno Arce was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, on December 8, 1924. She was the third of twelve children born to Carmen Arce, a homemaker, and , a former governor of Jalisco.

The couple had eight children: Luis Vicente, María del Carmen, , María Esther, Rodolfo, Pablo, Benito, and Adolfo.

First lady of Mexico For 1970 to 1976, Zuno served as first lady during the presidency of her husband, Luis Echeverría.

While her husband was in office, she accompanied him on foreign trips and made various visits on her own.

Later years and death After her husband left office, Zuno retreated from public life. She died in Mexico City in 1999, just days before her 75th birthday, of complications from diabetes.