Isabel "Chavez" Espino, 95, passed away peacefully with her loved ones by her side on March
1,2022.
Born in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico on December, 23, 1926, Isabel was one of six children born to
Juan and Josephine Felizes. She was raised by her grandmother, Rosa, in the countryside of
Puerto Rico and educated through middle school. When reflecting on her childhood, Isabel
would happily recall picking bananas with her father and faithfully accompanying her
grandmother while she worked as a domestic helper. In the early 1940s, Jose' Espino spent
many afternoons walking past Isabel's home, hoping to catch a glance of her or muster the
confidence to speak to her sweetly. On December 12, 1945, Isabel married Jose' (her Honey) in
Puerto Rico and they began their life together, devoted in love and looking forward to raising a
family together. On September 27, 1946, Isabel gave birth to their first child, Jose' (Pepito) Jr.
The family of three moved to Bronx, New York in 1947 where their life continued to prosper. On
March 11, 1948, Migdalia (Dolly) was born, followed by the birth of Filiberto who died shortly
thereafter. Well established in the Bronx, Isabel and Jose brought their second daughter, Rosa
(Cuchi), into the world on December 13, 1961. Their family was complete after the birth of their
youngest daughter, Maria (Angie) on August 31, 1966. In addition to providing a loving home for
her husband and four children, Isabel also spent several years employed as a lunchroom
Manager. Upon retirement from P.S. 154 in Bronx, New York, Isabel was honored with a special
award for all her years of dedication and hard work in the public school district. In 1990, Jose
and Isabel retired to Ocoee, Florida, where they remained for 20 years. During their time in
Florida, Isabel took pride in her role as an usher at St. James Cathedral where she and Jose'
often attended two masses on Sundays (one in English and one is Spanish). The Espino home
brought Isabel many years of happiness as she gardened and happily welcomed family and
friends for delicious home cooked meals and extended visits to explore and enjoy the Orlando,
Florida area. On January 15, 2010, Jose' passed away and Isabel moved back to Bronx, New
York to live with her daughter, Rosa. She
spent the remainder of her days in Bronx, happily surrounded by comfort, care, visits and
outreach from her adoring family and friends.
Isabel is survived by her loving son, Jose' Jr. and devoted daughters Migdalia, Rosa and Maria
She will be remembered by her children for being the peacemaker in the family, teaching them
the value of keeping a clean home and being respectful of their elders; responding sweetly to
calls for "my vieja" and making shopping trips to flea markets and Macy's.
She will also be remembered as a breast cancer survivor who endured diabetes with dignity in
her later years. As the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 5
great-great grandchildren and 2 fur-great-grandkids, Cinnamon and Willow, Isabel will always be
remembered as "Mamacita", a name coined by her local community that was affectionately
adopted by her grandchildren. She will also be remembered for her gentle and patient
demeanor, loving hugs, sparkling smile and extra soft skin; her grilled cheese sandwiches and
cheese platters, watching novellas while eating apples, painting her nails and sharing laughs
over board games and Squishy toys; dancing with the kids, joining TikTok videos, taking pictures
with her family and going along with jokes that her grandchildren played on her; responding "Si.…. Si... " with her hands clasped together gently, reacting cheerfully to "Chavelita", "Horale
mama" and "Hola" seeking out "mi favorita", "mi pelua" and "mi pollo" and supporting one
granddaughter as her only "Nana". Isabel's family would like to extend a special thank you to the
Moore House Community, the Church of St. Anselm and St. Roch, Visiting Nurse Services of
New York and all of the friends and family who visited and extended their support during this
difficult time. Isabel was greatly loved by all and her spirit will never be forgotten.
www.tcarrillofuneralservice.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Isabel Espino, please visit our flower store.