Miriam Maldonado

Miriam Maldonado, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and matriarch of our family, passed away at the age of 88 on July 3, 2025. Miriam is survived by her brother, Wilfredo Maldonado, and her four daughters, Aida Otero, Zoraida Otero, Jessica Bryant, and Felcia Maldonado.

Miriam had three brothers and married young, as was customary in those days. She migrated to the United States in search of a better life and returned several times to visit. Miriam was also a seamstress at a high-end manufacturing company, and although she was not an executive in an office, she dressed like one. She wore her suits and pumps to work, and, of course, her makeup was impeccable; she loved red lipstick. One can say that red lipstick was her MO during her youth.

Our beloved matriarch had a passion for caring and cooking for others. Miriam’s culinary skills were truly extraordinary, and Thanksgiving dinner was our favorite holiday spent in her home. She dedicated countless hours to cooking and preparing a feast, ensuring everyone else left the table feeling full. She would then serve herself a modest portion because she watched her weight. Miriam was very opinionated and gave each one of us advice, even when it was not solicited.

Miriam was a physically beautiful woman and an exceptional person. She was a mom to all her grandchildren, grandnieces, and grandnephews and loved them all, often being overprotective of them. Although her pockets were small, her heart was big. Miriam gave a big part of herself to her family, and she will forever live on in our hearts.

Pre-memorial services in celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Jacksonville Memory Gardens, located at 111 Blanding Blvd., Orange Park, FL. 32073. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, located at 1606 Blanding Blvd., Middleburg, FL. 32068. After the service, we will return to Jacksonville Memory Gardens for the burial ceremony.

We invite all who knew and loved Miriam to come together to celebrate her remarkable life, share memories, and find comfort in one another’s presence.