Adriana Espinal

Adriana Espinal was born on September 1st 1951 in a small village called Jaiqui Picao in the Dominican Republic. Adriana is survived by her two daughters and two sons-in-law (Alice and Joshua Smith and Melissa and RJ Barnett), as well as six grandchildren (Christian, Chloe, Jovani, Wyatt, Isaiah and Yesenia). She comes from a large family of 16 siblings and too many nieces and nephews to count. She was a determined and driven person. Passionate about her studies, despite many obstacles, she was the first of her siblings to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting in the Dominican Republic. Shortly after, she moved to the US, formed a family and simultaneously pursued and attained a Paraprofessional Associate’s Degree to work with special needs children, which she worked with until her retirement. Adriana was seen as more of a giver than a taker, strong-willed, caring, and some would say the first feminist of the family. She enjoyed the outdoors and road trips, apple pies from McDonald’s, Kit Kats, Ferro Rochers, Italian food, Erick Estrada, and Julio Iglesia’s music. Her favorite color was purple, she loved the ocean, and liked lillies.

As Adriana used to say, “Never fight in front of your children” or to her girls “No jueguen de mano”, her words of advice always came from a kind heart. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend. Adriana created a meaningful life, taking the challenges with grace and always rising above. Life is comprised of moments with our loved ones, but yours shows how powerful a moment can be.

Adriana Espinal nació el 1 de Septiembre de 1951 en un pequeño pueblo llamado Jaiqui Picao en la República Dominicana. Adriana le sobreviven sus dos hijas y dos yernos (Alice y Joshua Smith y Melissa y RJ Barnett), así como seis nietos (Christian, Chloe, Jovani, Wyatt, Isaiah y Yesenia). Ella viene de una gran familia de 16 hermanos y demasiadas sobrinas y sobrinos para contar. Era una persona decidida y motivada. Apasionada por sus estudios, a pesar de muchos obstáculos, fue la primera de sus hermanos en adquirir una Licenciatura en Contabilidad en la República Dominicana. Poco después, se mudó a los Estados Unidos, formó una familia y simultáneamente buscó y obtuvo un título de asociado paraprofesional para trabajar con niños con necesidades especiales, con los que trabajó hasta su jubilación. Adriana era muy bondadosa, desprendida de todo lo material, de carácter fuerte pero cariñosa, y algunos dirían que ella era la primera feminista de la familia. Disfrutaba del aire libre y los viajes por carretera, los pasteles de manzana de McDonald's, Kit Kats, Ferro Rochers, la comida italiana, Erick Estrada y la música de Julio Iglesia. Su color favorito era morado, amaba el mar y le gustaban los lirios.

Como solía decir Adriana, "Nunca pelees delante de tus hijos" o a sus hijas "No jueguen de mano", sus palabras de consejo siempre vinieron de un corazón amable. Era una hija, hermana, tía, sobrina y amiga amorosa. Adriana creó una vida significativa, tomando los desafíos con gracia y siempre elevándose por encima. La vida se compone de momentos con nuestros seres queridos, pero el tuyo muestra lo poderoso que puede ser un momento.

A public visitation for Adriana will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A funeral service will occur Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A catered reception will occur Saturday, February 18, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Espinal family.