Ana Miriam Dorta

Ana Miriam Melendez (affectionately called Miriam) was born June 7, 1953 in San Juan, Puerto Rico to parents Alfonso and Margarita Melendez. The family later moved to New York, Chicago, and New Jersey. It was in a local Paterson bank that she first set eyes on the one who would later be her husband of 40 years. For her, it was love at first sight. Gustavo Dorta and Miriam were married February 16, 1975. After one visit to Texas, Miriam was ready to move. She loved Texas!

She always wanted a big family. She would say she wanted at least 4 children and Gustavo wanted none. They settled with 2. She gave birth to Gustavo Manuel and Krystal Alexis. Even still, Miriam became a second mother to many people. She always had a piece of advice for every situation. “I’m a resolver,” she would say. She wanted what was best for her loved ones. She also had a generous, caring spirit. If she saw someone in need, she would be ready to buy them clothes or fill their pantries. Many knew her as always smiling and ready to dance. Even in her sicker years, she would pull out a shoulder shimmy on the dance floor.

She came in contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses through an iridologist, then Nancy Lopez, that preached to her. It finally clicked that this was the truth and she studied the Bible with Virginia Vezorak. She would keep the sister for hours to study. The sister would say she needed to get back home to cook for her husband. Miriam would respond, “Oh that’s alright. I already cooked food for your husband. Stay a little longer.” She was baptized June 17, 1995 and has been a faithful sister in the congregation ever since. Her favorite territory to preach was Walmart in the middle of the night. Many a time she would take opportunities to preach to the employees and they came to know her very well.

Ana Miriam loved many and many loved her. Her beautiful smile and lovely spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Survived by husband, Gustavo Dorta, children, Gustavito and Krystal Dorta. Sister: Mayra Melendez, Nieces and nephew: Luis Alfonso Melendez, Heysha, Lisa and Charity Marie Diaz Melendez. Grandson: Romeo Dorta and countless spiritual brothers and sisters

Followed in death by parents, Alfonso and Margarita Melendez, brother Luis Angel Melendez, grandmother Ana Maria Rosario.