Obituary for Emilia Melendez
Emilia Melendez, 94, of Providence, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Puerto Rico on May 18th, 1926, she was a beloved daughter of the late Palcido Batista and Biviana Sanche and a dear and devoted wife for 74 years to the late Evaristo Melendez Clas.
Emilia is survived by her two daughters, Iris Melendez of Providence and Amparo Valentine of San Antonio, Texas along with four grandchildren, Ismael Ramos, Edna Rodriguez, Milagro Diaz and Anibel Valintin; 12 great-grandchildren, Amanda Vega Ayala, Andrew Cabrera, Paris Sanchez, Karina Sanchez, Jelisa Sanchez, Latia Ramos, Isaiah Melendez, Fernando Cornier, Betzaida Diaz, Anibal Valentin, Amber Valentin, and Nicholas Valentin;13 great-great- grandchildren, Adrian Vasquez, Kailynn Vasqez, Zayda Sanchez, Julianna Cooley, Javian Garcia, Jenelle Garcia, Nathan Cabrera, Mila Cabrera, Alayna Cabrera, Hayden Cornier, Owen Valentin, and Malaski Silva; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins by whom she will be missed. Emilia was predeceased by her granddaughter, Jessie Sanchez.
In Puerto Rico, she was married and raised her family before moving to Massachusetts in the 1950’s. Emilia was adventurous and had a determined and competitive spirit, she loved competing in Domino’s competitions and she also loved playing Bingo and she played to WIN!! She was “one of a kind,” a very religious woman with powerful hands. She was known and revered for her “Healing Hands”, a spiritual practice where she would heal those she laid hands on. When her hands were stronger in her younger days, many people would come to her for massage, comfort, and healing; she was always honored to oblige at no charge.
She had a fiery personality and loved people, loved to travel, and loved to cook, especially her favorite Spanish dishes for family and friends. Our “tough little cookie”, as her family affectionately describes her, will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.
Funeral Services for Emilia will take place at her beloved Blessed Sacrament Church, 239 Regent Ave., Providence, on MONDAY, DECEMBER 28th beginning with visitation at 9:30a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:15 a.m. ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCH IS THROUGH THE SIDE DOOR ONLY, ADJACENT TO THE PARKING LOT, and seating capacity is at 25%; observance of COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS will be appreciated. Burial will immediately follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston.
Emilia is survived by her two daughters, Iris Melendez of Providence and Amparo Valentine of San Antonio, Texas along with four grandchildren, Ismael Ramos, Edna Rodriguez, Milagro Diaz and Anibel Valintin; 12 great-grandchildren, Amanda Vega Ayala, Andrew Cabrera, Paris Sanchez, Karina Sanchez, Jelisa Sanchez, Latia Ramos, Isaiah Melendez, Fernando Cornier, Betzaida Diaz, Anibal Valentin, Amber Valentin, and Nicholas Valentin;13 great-great- grandchildren, Adrian Vasquez, Kailynn Vasqez, Zayda Sanchez, Julianna Cooley, Javian Garcia, Jenelle Garcia, Nathan Cabrera, Mila Cabrera, Alayna Cabrera, Hayden Cornier, Owen Valentin, and Malaski Silva; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins by whom she will be missed. Emilia was predeceased by her granddaughter, Jessie Sanchez.
In Puerto Rico, she was married and raised her family before moving to Massachusetts in the 1950’s. Emilia was adventurous and had a determined and competitive spirit, she loved competing in Domino’s competitions and she also loved playing Bingo and she played to WIN!! She was “one of a kind,” a very religious woman with powerful hands. She was known and revered for her “Healing Hands”, a spiritual practice where she would heal those she laid hands on. When her hands were stronger in her younger days, many people would come to her for massage, comfort, and healing; she was always honored to oblige at no charge.
She had a fiery personality and loved people, loved to travel, and loved to cook, especially her favorite Spanish dishes for family and friends. Our “tough little cookie”, as her family affectionately describes her, will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.
Funeral Services for Emilia will take place at her beloved Blessed Sacrament Church, 239 Regent Ave., Providence, on MONDAY, DECEMBER 28th beginning with visitation at 9:30a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:15 a.m. ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCH IS THROUGH THE SIDE DOOR ONLY, ADJACENT TO THE PARKING LOT, and seating capacity is at 25%; observance of COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS will be appreciated. Burial will immediately follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston.