Age 80
Sister Hortensia served with dedication and gentleness in a variety of roles that reflected her love of people and commitment to service.
Born and educated in Havana, Cuba, Sister Hortensia married young, built a good life with her husband, and together they raised two sons. Though her marriage ultimately ended, she remained devoted to her family.
In the face of growing political unrest in Cuba, Sister Hortensia made the courageous decision to flee her homeland so her family could have a better life. She began anew in the United States, guided by perseverance, faith, and her deep love for her children.
She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Watchung, New Jersey, at the age of 53, bringing with her a spirit of compassion, maturity, and lived experience. As part of her religious formation, she spent time studying theology at the College of Saint Elizabeth in Convent Station, New Jersey.
She offered her many gifts in both professional and pastoral settings. Before entering the Sisters of Mercy, she worked at First Savings Bank in Woodbridge, New Jersey, for approximately 17 years, a position she treasured and often recalled with great fondness remembering the work and her colleagues. At the same time, she facilitated the divorced and separated ministry in her parish, Our Lady of Peace in Fords, New Jersey.
Her longest and most cherished ministry was with Catholic Charities in Bridgewater, New Jersey, where she served in three different roles, as a family advocate, coordinator of volunteers and office operations. In every place she served, she was known for her kindness, quiet strength, and ability to make others feel welcomed and understood.
Sister Hortensia spent her final years at McAuley Hall Health Care Center in Watchung, New Jersey, surrounded by a community she deeply loved and who loved her in return.