Ana Hilda (Mateo) Espada

Ana Hilda Espada passed away on April 22nd 2023 surrounded by her loving husband and four children. 

Born on December 5th 1936 in Coamo Puerto Rico as one of eleven children born to Santos and Josefina Luna Mateo. She met the love of her life, Rafael Espada at the age of 18. They fell in love and married and she bravely moved to New York City to begin her new life as a young married woman. 

A devout and dedicated Catholic her faith was an integral part of her life. She never had anything bad to say about anyone and no matter what we were going through in our lives, good or bad she would always say to pray. To pray and to forgive. 

Later in life when faced with health issues, she always approached these difficulties with so much humor and grace. She inspired us to be better parents. To have hope and to forgive others. She knew exactly how to advise us intuitively without ever being obtrusive. We could not have asked for a better mother. She was kind hearted and gentle and the most humble person we’ve ever known. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved music. She loved to dance. Our childhood memories filled with music and the delicious smells of her fantastic cooking coming from the kitchen. Always smiling. Always happy.  We will honor her memory and she will live forever in our hearts. 

Family will receive friends Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 11am-12:30pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 1pm at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Delray Beach, FL. Burial will be held at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY.

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ana Hilda (Mateo) Espada, please visit our floral store.