Ercidia Vazquez

Ercidia (Elcy) was born in the tiny, hilly town of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, the first of 13 living children. Back then, the only school in the area taught through the fifth grade; higher grades were taught in a school much farther away. However, Elcy had shown so much promise that her teacher wanted Elcy to live with her, so the child could continue her studies. Elcy's parents would not let her go, but education was always very important to her. As an adult, she took correspondence classes in English and other subjects.
When she was in her early twenties, Elcy moved to the U.S. to live with her aunt Leonor-and her husband Morell-in Brooklyn. Elcy worked as a factory seamstress, but soon met Angel Vazquez, a friend of Morell's. Elcy and Angel married a month later and soon moved to New Jersey. Elcy's only child, a daughter, was born a year-and-a-half later.
Elcy became a stay-at-home mother, occasionally working at a local sweater factory as a Singer sewing machine operator. She attached ribbons to cardigan sweaters, to keep the buttonholes from stretching. Elcy was so good at what she did that her employers were happy to have her back any time she was available, and for however long. She liked to boast that whenever they needed to send samples to a prospective buyer/seller, Elcy was always selected to attach the ribbons. Those sweaters had to be perfect.
It wasn't long before Elcy set about to bring her entire family to this country. With Angel's financial help and support, they facilitated the move-one or more at a time-of her parents and all twelve of her brothers and sisters. This included one sister with her five children. Once they arrived, Elcy and Angel provided food and shelter until they were able to work and support themselves.
As her "imported" siblings grew families of their own, several weeks before each Christmas, Elcy, Angel, and their daughter spent several Saturday mornings filling shopping carts with toys. Elcy wrapped them all-her daughter helped when she was old enough-and on Christmas day, they went from house to house delivering the gifts like Santa Claus to all of Elcy's nieces and nephews.
Elcy and her own little family lived in Hudson County for several decades, and after several moves ended up in Essex. Each move involved selling and buying a house, and after each move almost the first thing Elcy did was open up her Singer and start making drapes. She loved having a clean, well decorated home, with lots and lots of drapes.
Elcy also loved to cook. She never baked, but she is still remembered for her excellent flan!
Ercidia is survived by her daughter Marlene; granddaughters Joy, Jamie, and Lisa; and great-grandchildren Reece, Elle, Aeva, Jack, Eve, and Meadow.
Ercidia Vazquez late of Nutley passed away on July 14th, 2025 at the age of 100.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Thursday, July 17th from 10:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
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