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A Tucson family is trying to cope with a devastating loss, right before Thanksgiving, raising money to bring their loved ones home.

For a family in mourning, this is a labor of love.

"Hundreds and hundreds of tamales," family member Dianna Riviera said. "I lost count. We've just been every day all day making and making tamales."

This past weekend, Oneyda Sanchez was driving through New Mexico with her daughters, Oriana and Odalys Madrid. The roads were icy and Oneyda lost control slamming head on into a semi. Odalys is in critical condition, but Oriana and Oneyda died at the scene.

"She was a really good mother to the girls," Riviera said. "They meant everything to her. Oriana was 16 years old. She was a really funny person. Liked to make everybody laugh."

In the days following their deaths, another harsh reality set in. Since the accident happened out of state, transporting the bodies would be costly.

"The price that they had given us at first was $10,000 for each," Riviera said.

So the family got to work.

"Our family doesn't have that much money for all the expenses so what were doing is making tamales, selling them," Riviera said.

What's in the pot is bringing them comfort as they grieve.

"It has made us feel better," Riviera said. "We feel we're doing something for them."

Though they know they'll need help. If you want to you can order a dozen tamales, for $12 or make a donation to help the family. Call the Madrid family at (520) 508-2264.