Hortensia Reyes Ortiz

Hortensia was born on February 27, 1928 in Vieques, Puerto Rico the daughter of the late Maria Acosta Ortiz and Felix Ortiz. Hortensia married her husband the late Pedro J. Reyes on August 14, 1950 and produced 7 children. She was a retired factory worker who emphasized the importance of working hard and respect of others.

Hortensia was a devout Catholic who loved the Lord and believed in the power of prayer. She had a love for music who loved to sing songs from the great Trio groups of Puerto Rico. She was a great cook cooking her arroz con gandules and pernil and her famous arepas.

She and her husband Pedro emigrated to Bridgeport, CT in 1962 to raise their children and provide them with better opportunities, before relocating to Tampa, FL in 1993 to enjoy their retirement. She was rich in love and always provided a place for those who needed it. She was a member of the Cursillo and Cofradia at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Bridgeport, CT and was part of the Rosary group at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tampa where the group would meet every Tuesday to pray the Holy Rosary.

Hortensia is survived by her seven children Maria Zambito (Richard), Pedro Reyes (Iris), Jesus Reyes (Astrid), Carmen Delgado (Alberto), Rosa Martinez (Miguel), Jorge Reyes (Danielle) and Jose Reyes (Ruth) as well Annie Gonzalez whom she helped raise as her own daughter. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.