Lillian Brea, 83, of Maitland, passed peacefully into her Savior’s arms on July 6, 2025, with her beloved husband, Rafael, by her side.
Born on July 21, 1941, in San Germán, Puerto Rico, Lillian moved to the Bronx, New York, at a young age-a place she cherished deeply. Though life took her to the Dominican Republic and later to Florida, the Bronx always held a special place in her heart. Whenever she returned for a visit, she would joyfully announce, “Your daughter has come home!”
Lillian was known for her kindness, deep faith, unwavering love for her family, and a playful sense of humor. Her delicious cooking brought people together, and her presence made any room warmer. As a single mother, she lovingly raised her three daughters, embodying strength and resilience. Despite the many challenges she faced, she returned to school in her 40s to earn her associate degree-an accomplishment that made her family incredibly proud.
She worked as a phlebotomist at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, where she forged lifelong friendships and met the love of her life, Rafael. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, devotion, and joy-especially during their retirement years. Lillian could often be found watching her favorite game shows, solving word searches, or reading her devotionals. And if you spent even a few minutes with her, you’d quickly learn she had a wonderful sense of humor. After medical procedures, she’d sometimes wake up and joke, “Oh, I’m still here,” or “I thought I was going bye-bye!”
Her ability to speak so lightly about life and death reflected her deep faith. Lillian knew where she was going and wasn’t afraid. She lived with the quiet confidence of someone who trusted in the promises of God and left behind a legacy of faith, strength, and love that will continue to flourish for generations.
Lillian will be remembered not only for the love she gave, but for the life she lived-a life full of purpose, joy, and an unwavering trust in the Lord.
Lillian is survived by her beloved husband Rafael Brea; her daughters, Ileana Stammers (Robert), Lizette Vazquez (Enrique), and Yasmin Burrell (Andre); her stepchildren, Violet Brea, Odalis Paredes (Louis), Rafael, and Joselyn Brea. She deeply loved her grandchildren-Erica Stammers (and great-granddaughter Amelia), Danielle Martin (and great-grandson Thomas Garrett), Ileana, Diego, and Alicia Vazquez, Jeremy and Joshua Burrell, Arielle Brea (and great-granddaughter Madison), Brandon, Nicole, Daniel, Alessandro, and Andrew as well as many nieces and nephews.
As the eldest of twelve, she is also survived by her siblings: Francisco, Francisca, Roberto, Wilgem, Merving, Wislem, David, Jose Lugo, and Abigail Rios. She was preceded in death by her grandson Julian, great-granddaughter Charlotte, parents Francisco Pascual Lugo and Fermina America Gonzalez Lugo, and siblings Berenice Santos, Angel Lugo, and Olga Santos.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evangel Church Kingdom Builders, supporting local and global missions that Lillian passionately supported.
For those who wish to send flowers, arrangements can be made through the Sympathy Store. https://evangelchurch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/kingdom-builders-memorial