Justa Hildelisa Barcelo

Justa Hildelisa Barcelo, of Park Ridge, New Jersey died peacefully in her sleep on December 29, 2025 at the age of 97. Justa, known to many as Hildelisa, was born on May 28, 1928 in the tropical town of Madruga, a suburb of Havana, Cuba.
Justa dedicated her life to raising children and caring for others. Her generous and loving spirit was infectious, making her a beloved mother and grandmother to all who knew her – so much so that she was affectionately called Mama by children and adults, relatives and acquaintances alike.
Her 65-year marriage to Eugenio Barcelo was the foundation of the joyful life she crafted for her family in spite of the hardships and challenges she faced. She left her cherished siblings and everything she knew when she fled Cuba in 1968 with Eugenio in order to provide a better life for her daughters in the United States. She settled in New York City, where she made a warm and loving home for her family, into which she welcomed the many children she cared for through her work as a childcare provider. Justa was a talented cook who loved making and sharing large, delicious meals with her family and friends, which was one of the many reasons people loved visiting her home.
She remained devoted to the happiness and wellbeing of her loved ones throughout her life, praying daily for each and every person she knew. She lives on in the heart-warming stories and memories of her grandchildren, and all the children she helped raise with love and dedication.
Justa was welcomed into heaven by her adoring husband, Eugenio (who likely greeted her with a cafecito and a warm embrace), and her loving parents, Manuela and Nestor Sanchez. She is survived by her daughters, Isabel and Maria, her sons-in-law Juan and Angel, and her darling grandchildren, Silvia, Eduardo, and Dana.
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