Maria Luisa Ortega's Obituary
Maria Luisa Ortega, 87, went peacefully home to heaven on Oct. 27th 2020, surrounded by loved ones.
Maria was born in 1934 to Maria Luisa Busto Casas and Armando Carbonell Trenard and grew up in Morón, Cuba, Camaguey Province. Growing up, she loved sports and athletics and later attended the University of Havana. In 1953, she met Osvaldo Ortega who was visiting relatives in her hometown. They fell in love and married in Havana, Cuba in 1956. Soon after, they relocated to Heilbronn, Germany where Osvaldo was serving in the U.S. Army.
After completing his tour of duty, they stayed in Middletown, NY, and then moved, in 1960 to Miami, where they immersed themselves in generously helping friends and family members who were fleeing communist Cuba and making their way to the United States. They lived in the same house in Westchester for 48 years where they hosted countless celebrations, parties, and gatherings for family and friends. Maria and Osvaldo enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and abroad, often times taking their entire family on cruises around the world.
Maria, also known lovingly as “Chumana” or “Aba”, dedicated her whole life to serving and taking care of others; be it family, friends, or acquaintances. Her cooking could rival that in any of Miami’s most well-known Cuban restaurants, and she loved cooking for a house full people. When you came to visit, Aba was always ready with your favorite dish, a warm embrace, and pure joy to see you. She made sure you knew you were welcomed and loved. She will be forever remembered for her witty sense of humor, generous heart, and sweet disposition towards everyone.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband Osvaldo Ortega, their four children; Lourdes Spitzer, Alex Ortega, Miriam Ray, and Nancy Kuhlmann; their spouses, Roger Spitzer, Maria Ortega, Kyle Ray, and Hans Kuhlmann, nine grandchildren, and four-great grandchildren.
Maria, Chumana, Aba, our beloved matriarch, your love for your husband, family, and friends was undeniable. We will always love you, cherish our wonderful memories with you, and know a part of you will forever live within each one of us. Pray for us, dear Aba. Te queremos con el alma para siempre
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