Antonia Maldonado Maldonado, age 92, of Orlando, Florida passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at her home in Orlando.
She was born on June 13, 1931 in Barranquitas, PR, daughter to her late parents, Bernardo and Dolores Maldonado. She was the third oldest sister of nine children. Antonia studied nursing and after the family moved to Bridgeport, CT, she was worked as a RN at St. Vincent and Park City Hospital.
In 1954, she met a United States Marine cadet named Hector I. Nieves. They were married on January 28, 1955. Hector’s brother was smitten with her first, but Hector knew she was the one!
To this union was born four children – Nydia Ivette, Hector Ivan, Dennis Bernard, and Kimberly. She also gave motherly love to others that she treated as though they were own and who respectfully called her, “Mom.”
In 1985, the family moved to Puerto Rico, where she continued to work as a nurse at the Hospital San Pablo. She was also involved in many organizations over the years – Ninos Liciados of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rican Parade Committee, Camara de Ruth, and also Christ Tabernacle of Puerto Rico where she served as an elder.
Antonia loved to dance and sing, making tapestries by crocheting, and dressing to impress. She was a strong woman of faith. She loved the Lord, and loved her Christian family. She lived a devoted life to Christ, her husband, and her family.
She is survived by her husband 68 years, Hector I. Nieves of Orlando; three children, daughter, Nydia Nieves; son, Dennis Nieves and his wife, Debbie; and daughter, Kimberly Nieves and her husband, Carlos Matta; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great great-granchildren; five brothers, David Maldonado, Juan “Johnny” Maldonado, Jose “Joe” Maldonado, Jose Raymond Maldonado, and Francisco “Pancho” Maldonado; and two sisters, Dolores “Lolita” Maldonado, and Maria “Lolita” Maldonado.
She is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Hector Nieves, Jr.; and two brothers, Jorge Colon, and Enrique Maldonado.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Winter Park Chapel, 3806 Howell Branch Rd, Winter Park with Pastor Isaac Marrero officiating.
Visitation is Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will be on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 US-1, Mims, Florida 32754.