NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A New Port Richey woman has dedicated her life to caring for others — both at home and abroad.

Edna Duran is owner of Golden Sunset Assisted Living. She started here employed as a caregiver almost 30 years ago and became owner in 1999.

"Golden Sunset has been here since 1987 and this is my first job when I arrived in the country," Duran said.

Her journey to America began in the Philippines.

After escaping from what she called an abusive marriage, she met and married Leo and now they, together with her staff, see to the needs of her residents.

"We are family owned and operated," Duran said. "We do care 24 hours, so we have to be here 24 hours. We do meals three times a day, doctor appointments, take them for activities, everyday things, seven days a week."

She is active in the Filipino-American community and has been heavily involved in raising money to support children and adults in need both here and in the Philippines.

She also was instrumental in raising funds to help build a much needed chapel in the small village where she was born and grew up.

Duran was named "queen of queens" in last year's Filipino-American social club's beauty pageant.

With her never give up approach, she credits the support from her friends and children, and from her beloved husband of 24 years.

"Without him I probably wouldn’t be here," Duran said. "He really saved me."