Naida Ortega

February 4, 1943 - February 18, 2018

Naida Ortega was born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico on February 4, 1943, to parents (deceased) Isabel Gonzalez and Jose Ortega. She is survived by her children; Minerva C. Elsayed, Nancy Cruz, Andres Castro, Jr., Lissette Freyre and son-in-law, Luis M. Cruz & Daughter-in-law, Jackie Bailey-Castro. Her two granddaughters Lis Madeline Castro and Isabel Ines Cruz and her great-granddaughter Lyahbelle Hernandez. Her siblings; Jose Ortega, Luis Ortega, Nilda Ortega, Edna Cucchi, Magdalena Rosado, Josefina Ortega and aunt Juanita Ortega. As we gather here today to say farewell to our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Let us remember the happy times with fondness and the best of what she gave to us all. She was a magnificent caretaker, always going the extra mile for everyone, friends and family. Her personality was strong and stern but filled with the concern and the love she gave to her children and friends. She was fun-loving and bright like the plants she adored keeping around the house. She loved to celebrate her birthday at restaurants, especially Red Lobster and relished strolling through the mall, stopping at Starbucks for her favorite Chai Latte. Just as strong as her love for her family was her love of music. We will all miss her because for those who held her dear the loss will linger like a bittersweet melody through her favorite song, “I will Survive.” May God Bless her and give her peace and a place in paradise.