Jesusa Marquez-Astacio

Jesusa “Susie” Márquez Astacio, 90, entered into eternal rest on April 5, 2018 in Brandon, FL. Susie was born in the small coastal town of Naguabo, Puerto Rico to Petrona Astacio Méndez and Ezequiel Márquez Rúiz, on December 22, 1927. Following her primary schooling, she began working to support the family and in 1953, relocated to New York City.

Susie loved New York, music and dancing and in 1957 she married Antonio Santiago Reyes. Her true calling, as a mother, began in 1958 with the birth of the first of her five children. Susie moved back to Puerto Rico in 1974 to raise her family. For the next 40 years Humacao was her home, as she watched her kids grow, graduate and begin their own careers and families. A devoted daughter and mother, Susie was a true Matriarch. She relished her role as family leader and comforter, always stressing the importance of faith, family and education. Doing all with love, Susie found joy in cooking and putting others first.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents and her three siblings, Inés Suarez Astacio, Diego Marquez Astacio and Santiago “Carlos” Marquez Astacio. She is survived by her son, Antonio; four daughters,

Carmen Yvette, Janet, Magaly and Evelyn; ten grandchildren, Nathalie Marie, Luis Alfredo, Alexandra, Carlos Tulio, Nicole Maraiah, Annais Michelle, Cristina Marie, Anjélica Marie, Verońica Mariel and Edmarilys Yvette and two great-grandchildren, Pamela Xylianis and Sofiá Angelik. Susie is also survived by her beloved nieces, Minerva, Sylvia and Nellie Márquez.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in the name of Jesusa Márquez Astacio, to the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Fla. www.moffitt.org/donate