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The Spanish parishioner who achieved global fame for her poorly executed restoration attempt on a cherished religious painting has passed away at the age 94.

The woman, from the town of Borja in northeast Spain, rose to prominence 13 years ago after she undertook to restore a century-old fresco known as Ecce Homo housed within her local church.

Giménez's restoration effort spread across the internet and was dubbed "Potato Jesus", largely due to the resulting likeness of Christ's head looking somewhat like a furry primate.

Official Confirmation and Homage

The 94-year-old's passing was announced by the town's mayor, Eduardo Arilla, via an online statement, where he acknowledged her as a "passionate enthusiast of painting from a young age".

"Rest in peace Cecilia, we will always remember you," Arilla wrote.

Arilla further referenced Giménez's "now-legendary restoration of Ecce Homo" in the summer of 2012, which "because of the deteriorated condition it presented, Cecilia, acting in good faith, decided to apply new paint over the original".

The Artwork's Background and the Fateful Act

The Ecce Homo ("This is the Man" in Latin) painted by 19th century painter Elias Garcia Martinez had been held for over a hundred years in the Santuario de la Misericordia close to Zaragoza.

In 2012, Giménez, who was 81 years old, explained that parishioners had "traditionally fixed everything here", and that she had been given the go-ahead from the local priest to do the work.

She also noted that anyone who entered the Church would have observed she was painting over the original artwork.

An Unexpected Economic Lifeline

The aftermath of the restoration spawned the "Ecce Mono" meme and saw the previously sleepy town of Borja quickly become a significant visitor attraction.

The municipality, which had in the past seen only 5,000 visitors per year, attracted more than 40,000 tourists by 2013, and generated over €50,000 for charity from the interest.

Currently, officials estimate that somewhere around 15,000 and 20,000 tourists visit Borja every year to see the notorious portrait, which is now protected by a pane of glass.

Legacy and Local Support

After recovering from the initial backlash, backed by the townspeople and well-wishers around the world, Giménez went on to stage an art exhibition showcasing 28 of her personal works.

She was commended by Borja's mayor for her kind-hearted nature and years of faithful service to the parish.

In the end, what began as a well-intentioned but flawed art repair forged an unlikely cultural icon and provided remarkable attention and resources to a small Spanish town.