Iris "Nelly" Cortez

Iris "Nelly" Cortez, 90, of Lorain, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at home, surrounded by family members. Nelly was born February 25, 1932 in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico and came to Lorain in 1950.Nelly worked at Cortez Delicatessen, a family business on Vine Street in the 1960s. She was also a homemaker who was well known for her delicious cooking. Nelly was the glue that held her family together and made many friends in Lorain that she, thought of as her family as well.Survivors include her son, Jesse (Kristin) of Wakeman; a treasured niece, Nina (Patty) of Puerto Rico; sisters: Abigal and Nydia; brothers: Aristide and Radames; grandchildren: Jessica (brother Chino), Krystal (Steve), Elizabeth (Wilfredo), and Stefan (Megan); her great grandchildren: Araceli, Miguel, Imani (Bryan), Jalyssa (Trey), Steve Jr., Jazmere, Jayvianna, Hunter, Grayson, Mila; her great great grandchildren: Wren, Au'briel, and Au'vaya; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. All of whom loved her dearly and will miss her every day.She was preceded in death by her husband, Jose Cortez Cruz in 1992; a son, Freddy Jose in 1968; and her brothers, Jose and Ivan.Her funeral and burial at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain were Saturday, February 25, 2023.Arrangements are by Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain. For expressions of sympathy and further information please see, Reidyfuneral.com.