Iris Nereida Ocasio

It is with deep sadness that the family of Iris Nereida Ocasio of Bronx, New York announces her passing on July 1, 2023.
Iris was born in Bronx, NY where she grew up with her loving mother, Nereida, and brothers, Sergio and Orlando. She graduated high school at 16 and eventually pursued a career in law enforcement. Iris was an incredibly brave individual who served her community as a police officer for 16 years with the (formerly) North Tarrytown Police Department and the Westchester County Police Department. Her duties required her to be mentally and physically agile in order to maneuver incredibly dangerous and potentially life threatening situations. Later in life, Iris worked in healthcare related capacities such as a phlebotomist, nursing home aide, and a volunteer with community mental health. She retired from working to be with her partner, Bruce Spector, in Scottsdale Arizona in 2017.
Iris was predeceased by her father, Sergio Ocasio, Sr., mother, Nereida Ocasio, and brother, Sergio Ocasio, Jr.. She is survived by her daughters, Danielle (Greg) Collier of Cherry Hill, NJ, and Lauren Emerson of Dobbs Ferry, NY. She leaves behind her only granddaughter, Elisabeth Ann Collier. She is also survived by her brother, Orlando Ocasio of NY, her aunt Gladys Roman of Queens, NY, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply.
Iris was a very vibrant person who had a penchant for exploring and experiencing as much of what life could offer. Iris was beautiful, inside and out (some may argue which one surpassed the other), incredibly intelligent, perceptive, and funny. These traits allowed her to live her life to the fullest extent surrounded by people who unconditionally loved her.
Service date and time will be announced privately. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contributions to "My Sisters' Place", located in White Plains, NY.