Rosa Porto, founder of Porto's Bakery, dies at 89

Rosa Porto, founder of Porto's Bakery & Cafe, has died at the age of 89, the family announced.

Porto died peacefully Friday with her husband and family at her side, according to the company's Facebook page.

Porto launched the business after escaping to the United States from Cuba, selling cakes and pastries from her home kitchen. She opened her first storefront on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park back in 1976.

"To all of our family, friends, and guests from across our communities: Though there are no words that can convey our sadness at this time, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for all the love and kindness you have shown us throughout the years," read the Facebook post.

“Rosa was an incredible woman who started Porto’s humbly from her home kitchen selling cakes and pastries to friends and family while simultaneously being an extraordinary wife and mother to her three children,” the company said. “Later, when in her late 60’s, Rosa stepped back from the family business she had started to focus her love and passion on raising her seven grandchildren. There was no greater sense of joy and pride for Rosa than her grandchildren and soon to be great-grandchild.”