Leah, I love you so very much and it hurts that you are no longer here physically. You have been a tremendous blessing to all who had the pleasure of knowing you. One of a kind you were, always thinking of others more than you did yourself. I will never forget the impact you made on me as well as all the memories I am fortunate to have with you. One that will always stick with me is when I was kid and we went to see WWF wresting live at the Pavilion, I even left with a souvenir shirt thanks to you. All the countless times you picked me up from school and drove me straight to McDonalds all because I was hungry. Fast forward a decade later and you were at Mom's house  watching me while I was recovering from a broken femur. A good portion of that recovering meant sitting on the couch with you while we watched the World Cup together and just talked. You were not one for lengthy conversation, you cut to the point and made what needed to be said, said. I admire your strength hunny, I admire your character, I admire your heart.. I feel so fortunate that before you left you were able to meet my son, you were able to hold him, to kiss him, to see him crawl and to see him walk. I will make sure my son knows all about you. Every time you would see me you, you would have a box of diapers for me, you'd pull me close and put money in my hand to help me out. You didn't have to do any of that, but yet you always did. I promised you I would take care of Mom, I will not break that promise! Well hunny, I'll see you again someday, I know you're watching over all of us. From the bottom of my heart Leah, I love you, miss you and will never forget you. Love, Benny.

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of family; to find the best in others; to leave the world a better place whether by caring for your family, friend or a stranger; to know that many lives have been made better because you lived here. This is to have succeeded, and that you did!

Many hugs and blessings Leah, we will miss you!

Love Janet

Dearest Sweet Tia Leah, 
When I think about you... I can see your contagious smile, hear your unpretentious laughter, and feel your unconditional love for family. You lived your life as a model of selfless love and commitment to your loved ones. That love was and always will be cherished!  Know that your presence will live on in all of us family members, through your past acts of kindness, compassion, and the beautiful authentic love and care you sprinkled into each of our lives.  Thank you for touching our lives in your loving and unique ways.   We love you so dearly...sweet Tia Leah. You will be missed!
Love always, Kathy  xoxo


I will always remember Leah as the aunt who knew where all the fun stuff was! When we moved to San Jose from Pawtucket, RI, she took our family to Lake Elizabeth & Great America. So much fun! I remember her Terry Cloth jumpers she always sported in the summer, part fashion & practical since it is a towel type fabric! Her infectious laugh I will always remember, just like my moms! I will miss her & know she is celebrating being pain free with my mom! Love you Leah! Say hi to my mom, ok? 

	Being the oldest of five siblings Leah is the third one I’ve lost, and it’s so hard to say good-bye. Leah had a very special place in my heart. Much of that started in 1967 when Bill received orders for Vietnam, and I’d be staying with our four young children in our base house at Mountain Home, Idaho. I asked Leah if she’d like to leave the Azores to help me with the kids. Our Dad had just passed so maybe she’d like to start a new chapter. In her typical no nonsense style and helping way, before we knew it Leah was there! So with Bill off at war she quickly helped with our kids, Susan, Kathy, Janet and Victor.  Bill returned safely and we moved on to the next base in Northern Maine. After less than a year Bill got new orders to Madrid, Spain. So the Whites moved on again, but this time Leah decided to stay. We got her settled safely in Rhode Island before moving on.
	Before long Leah was joined by our other sisters, Lina and Isilda, and their families in the U.S., before they all moved on to settle in San Jose. Despite our own family finally settling in Florida, we saw Leah and the family many times over the years. Leah even vacationed with us several times. She was a good girl, always bringing that special smile and quick, twisty sense of humor that won your heart!  She loved her times with us, and up until the very week she became ill we were in long phone chats at least a couple of times each week. She would send us packages and we would send her packages. Our close family bond with Leah starting in Idaho stayed with us and has remained even now that she’s left us. 
	Her departure seemed so quick it was a shock, but she’ll never leave our family’s memories and thoughts. Also we will never forget the beautiful help and compassion Leah received from her wonderful niece and friend, Susana, and sister Isilda who opened her heart and home to Leah in her final days. Our quiet,  caring Tia Leah will be forever with us…
Com todo o carinho e amor---Isabel, Bill e familia

To my dearest Tia Leah.... "Honey"...  I'm not the best at speeches or good byes.  I know this will not do you justice.
How do I say good bye?  How do I fill this HUGE void in my heart? There isn't a time I don't remember you being a major part of my life.  You were always there..   Thank you for always listening without judgment.   Thank you for being the best Godmother ever.  For always being in my corner.  For helping our family.  I'll miss our daily phone calls and day to day texts.  Our inappropriate jokes!!  How you weighed in on your programs.  (DANCING W/ THE STARS, JUDGE JUDY, JUDGE MATHIS...)    My dear Tia, you didn't wear your heart on your sleeve for all to see.  Some may say you were rough around the edges...  I knew you as kind, and generous.  You loved hard.  We had so many laughs.  I feel honored to have been part of your day to day life.   Thank you for making me feel loved as if I was your own.  When I had  issues with life, you'd tell me "Susana, Family First".  You also told me time and time again, "Life is Short".....    You were always such a fan of mine.  Always there to lend a hand, an ear, a shoulder.  You loved my boys so much.  Benjamin still remembers how you'd both watch wrestling on TV.  (Can you smell what the Rock is Cooking?)  Benny would say, "How many kids have an 'old' aunt that loves to watch wrestling, that is sooo cool"!!   It was an honor to help care for you.  Losing your independence was so hard on you.    I hated seeing the helplessness in your face toward the end of your life..  No matter how much I reminded you of how much you did for all of us, you didn't want to be a burden.  Thank you for letting mom and I take care of you. There simply is not enough I can say to express my love & gratitude toward you.  There are no words to express the sadness I feel knowing you're gone. I can here you say right about now:  "O Susana, Enough WITH THE DRAMA"..   I pray you visit me in my dreams....   I love you dear Tia.   

OBITUARY

Maria L. Cortez

28 November, 1934 – 3 March, 2019

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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