Iris Valentin-Cintron

IRIS VALENTIN-CINTRON, Age 63, passed away on August 5, 2016. Devoted wife to Edwin Cintron Lamela, loving mother of Iris Rebeca Olson (Bradley), and Gilberto Armando Cintron (Ariadna). She was deep in her love of her grandchildren, Zaelis, Gievan, Ivelisse, and Victor, who will miss her love and caring nature. Cherished and youngest daughter of the late Regino and Josefina Valentin, and beloved sister of Carmen Arce, Luis Valentin, Nilda Vazquez (deceased), Haydee Rivera (deceased), Sally Velez, Bonnie Arce, and Anette Arce. Loving aunt to 5 nieces and 6 nephews. She was steadfast in her battle with Parkinson's disease for over twenty years and persevered through many obstacles. Iris was born and raised in Bronx, New York and completed her education at High School of Fashion Industries (1971), and attended the City College N.Y., (1971-72). In 1972 on her desire to start a new life, Iris and sister Nilda moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico she worked for the Dept. of Public Education, (1972-80), as an English teacher for elementary students while studying during the evening hours at the Inter American University (1973-75), and she met her future husband (1972) and married on July – 1974, starting her family in May 1975. Seeking to advance to a better future and experience new adventures, Iris' family moved to Cleveland in December of 1982. In 1983 Iris was hired by the Cleveland Public Schools as a Bilingual Multicultural Education Instructional Aid, and performed at the Marion Seltzer Elementary School, (1983-85) And Tremont Elementary School (1985-96). The initial symptoms of Parkinson's began in 1990 when Iris was about 37. As the Parkinson's advanced through the years, by 1996 Iris was no longer able to perform her duties as a teacher and retired on disability from the Cleveland Public Schools. In her retirement, Iris enjoyed spending time with her family. On various occasions, when her health condition allowed, she traveled to Puerto Rico and Arizona to visit her family. During the last 8 years she experienced the joy of becoming a grandmother and showered her grandchildren with much love and affection. Due to complications of Parkinson's, Iris was admitted to Metro Health Medical Center from May 8 – June 3. Recognizing that her health condition was worsening with no indication of improving, Iris decided to spend the remaining time of her life at her home under hospice care. Iris returned home on June 3, where she was most comfortable, surrounded by her family where she was loved so deeply until the last moment of her life. The family would like to extend their gratitude for the care, support and attention Iris received during her stay at Metro Health Medical Center, specifically to the medical professionals on the 10th floor and to the hospice care providers from the Visiting Nurse Association, especially to Sheila, Crystal, Deborah, and Erika. The family will receive friends at the BUSCH FUNERAL HOME, 7501 RIDGE RD., PARMA, FROM 2-7 P.M. TUESDAY, AUGUST 9. Inurnment at Holy Cross Cemetery will be held at a later date. 440-842-7800 www.buschcares.com