Yolando Portocarrero Pérez's Obituary
Yolanda Portocarrero Pérez was born July 13th, 1936 in Manhattan, New York to Gilberto and
Maria Julia Portocarrero. She passed away at 88 years old in her home in Palm Coast, Florida
on December 2, 2024.
“Yolie” is survived by her daughter, Lisa Pérez Flanagan, three grandchildren, Ashley, Sean and
Jake, and her two younger sisters, Alice and Sonia. Yolie was a devoted grandmother, mother,
wife, sister, titi and friend. Growing up in Manhattan, she lived with her parents, sisters, and
beloved Abuelita. She talked fondly about living with and near her aunts and uncles. Yolanda
met the love of her life, Orlando Pérez, at a party when she was 20 years old. She described it
as love at first sight. They married in 1958 and welcomed their daughter Lisa in 1963. They
were happily married until Orlando’s sudden passing in 2003.
Yolanda began her professional career as a collection clerk, at a time when women rarely
worked in this field. When asked, she replied that her favorite job was working with children as
a preschool teacher. She was well respected and beloved by all of her colleagues and
students. She also treasured her time volunteering as a den mother for the Cub Scouts of
America.
Most importantly, Yolie adored being a grandmother and mother. Yolanda and Orlando raised
their daughter in the Bronx and in Maryland, and eventually moved to Palm Coast, Florida. It
was here that Yolie became an avid member of the Hispanic American club, Latinos Unidos,
and established incredibly meaningful friendships. Yolanda and Orlando loved to dance and
would frequently salsa and merengue the night away. Music was constantly playing in her
home up until her passing, and in earlier years jam sessions that involved cowbells and congas
would fill their home. Yolanda was a loyal friend who cherished her relationships within the
Palm Coast community. She was a person of faith who did the Rosary every day, and her
family knows that she will be greeted with open arms as she is reunited with her husband,
mother, and father. Yolanda’s vivacious personality, sense of humor, generosity, and infectious
laugh will be greatly missed. A memorial will be held at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
on December 14, 2024 at 10:30am. Yolie loved giving gifts, so in lieu of flowers donations can
be made to Proud rescuers of PR Venmo PRoud_rescuersofPR1 PayPal: [email protected]
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