Oneida was born in Havana, Cuba. As a nine-year-old, along with her sister Raysa, she immigrated to the United States as a member of Operation Peter Pan (or Pedro Pan). After spending a year in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with foster parents, she was happily reunited with her biological parents in New Jersey. After high school, she was employed by Johnson & Johnson. She worked long hours during the day and attended college at night. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Science in 1988. Oneida proudly spent 35 years employed with J & J as a Credit and Accounts Receivable Manager in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She then retired to Palladium in Boynton Beach, Florida. Her greatest joys were meeting people, playing Mah Jongh, exercising at the gym, and attending live theatre. Her greatest love of all was traveling! She traveled alongside her sister through Europe and the Caribbean. Oneida worked hard and
played hard.....and loved every single minute of it! Oneida dreamed of visiting Australia! As her health declined, she knew it would not be a reality for her. Raysa plans to travel to Australia in December. She will be wearing a special necklace that contains Oneida’s ashes. As she travels the Outback, her sister will be close at heart and by her side.
