Maria de Lourdes Valim De Oliveira

Maria de Lourdes Valim De Oliveira

February 25 1947 - April 13 2021

We lift our voices in prayer to celebrate the life of Maria de Lourdes.

Maria de Lourdes was born in Cambuquira, MG Brazil to her parents Jose Valim and Zelina Ferreira dos Santos Valim. Her brothers and sisters are José, Dulcelina, Maria da Glória, Paulo Afonso and Antônio.

Maria de Lourdes was the beloved wife of Ariel for 52 years, and the loving and devoted mother of Gilson, Ariani, Adriana, and Rafael. She was the adored  grandmother of William, Victor, Phillip, Christopher, and Stephanie. An inspiration for her daughters-in-law Alice, Ana, and Khadine. Maria de Lourdes exemplified an example of Faith and God's love to her congregation.

She lived her life in strength and nurtured her family in love. She was a constant pillar of inspiration for those around her.

Through the love she felt in her heart and life for Jesus she cared for, loved, and embraced everyone around her. No matter the circumstances,  she never stopped smiling.

The family will be receiving friends at 1:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Igreja Assembleia de Deus em Orlando, located at 4151 W. Oakridge Road, Orlando FL 32839.

Francisca Perez (Paquita)

Our precious mother Francisca Perez (Paquita) age 89, passed away on April 9, 2021. She is survived by her five (5) children, Juan Antonio Acevedo, Paula Rosa, Rafael Acevedo, Maria R. Francis, and Maria del Lourdes Cruz. She was preceded in death by: children Nelly M. Encarnacion and Wilfredo Acevedo.

Besides her children, Francisca is survived by twenty-six (26) grandchildren, fifty-four (54) great grandchildren and more than ten (10) great-great grandchildren.

The family will be receiving friends at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 17th, 2021 at Dobbs Funeral Home.  Interment will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery.

Gregory Allen Wheatley

Gregory Allen Wheatley, age 73, of Debary, Florida passed away Sunday, April 4th, 2021.  He was born in St. Augustine, Florida, the son of the late Catherine Janette Natale (Hannon)., and was employed as a HVAC Coordinator.  

Gregory is  survived by his daughter, Beth Wheatley of Orlando; brother Thomas Wheatley.   A graveside service will be held 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 8th, 2021 at Oakdale Cemetery in Deland, FL  with Pastor Thomas Hensley officiating. 

Michael Keith Nelson

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Michael Keith Nelson announce that he passed away on April 1, 2021.  

Michael (Mike) was born in Walnut Creek California on August 11, 1988.   He started elementary school in Santa Cruz Bolivia, then went on to attend school in Sugar Land, Texas, Danville, California, and then graduated High School in Sugar Land, Texas.  He started college life at the Rosen School of Hospitality at the University of Central Florida.  After a year at UCF he then transferred to Full Sail University in Winter Park Florida, where he graduated with a Bachelors degree in Audio Engineering. 

Mike moved to Denver Colorado in 2013 to pursue his dream of being an audio engineering technician.   He had jobs with multiple companies there including ESPN Radio and the Comedy Club (where he met and ran sound boards for multiple high profile comedians).   He decided to continue his education in Denver by obtaining an AA degree from the Community College of Aurora in General Business, and then started working towards his degree in Finance/Accounting at the University of Colorado-Denver.  In 2019, he moved back to Orlando, FL to be closer to family and friends. 

Once back in Orlando, he started to work as a volunteer at First Orlando Church by helping them with their streaming services for their Monday night service.  He then landed a part time job at Disney as an Entertainment tech in early 2020.   When COVID hit, he was furloughed from Disney, but remained a cast member until the end of 2020.   In the meantime, he finished up more Finance classes at Valencia and was in the process of transferring back to UCF to finish his Bachelors Degree in Finance.  

Mike had two real passions, sports and music.   He was a Varsity Basketball Player in High School and set a school record for 3 pointers in a single game.   He was an avid football fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (we watched the Super Bowl Video they put out in 2002 more times than you can imagine), the Oklahoma Sooners and the UCF Knights.   He managed to attend several Sooner and UCF games over the years.   But the latest thrill was seeing his beloved Buccaneers win another Super Bowl in 2021.   But it wasn’t only football, he loved Premier League Soccer (or properly “football” in the UK), NBA basketball (an avid Warriors fan), hockey, UFC, you name it, he knew more about it than anyone we could imagine.   He had discussions going with all his friends and family on all of those sports.  

His music passion started at a young age.   We realized at the age of about 5, while taking piano lessons, that he had “perfect pitch”.   He could hear a note and know what it was.   That carried into his desire to do audio engineering at Full Sail University, where he learned how to mix, and he did some independent mixing for various musician friends as he pursued other careers.   His favorite band was 311.   He traveled multiple places in the US to see them and always tuned into “311 Day” on March 11 every year.  His real career desire was to be hired back into Disney as an entertainment tech in a post Covid world.

In addition to all of this, Mike was an avid reader.   One of the most intellectual and knowledgeable people you could ever meet.   His room was full of books on every subject you can imagine, and he could carry on a competent conversation on just about any of them. 

But more than any of his passions, Mike was a compassionate soul.   His legacy was being able to help people, and he understood the downtrodden people whose life was not so good. He was able to meet and identify with people of completely different backgrounds and strike up a friendship.   He had a spiritual sense to him from a very young age (he memorized Psalm 91 at age 5) and he confirmed his faith in Christianity when he arranged to be baptized at First Orlando in December 2018 when he was at a particularly low point in life. 

Mike passed away peacefully while working on his laptop on April 1, 2021.  Mike had been dealing with a lot of serious medical issues over the past years and was determined to find the cause of his pain.  Mike never quit in pursuing his dreams even while being frustrated with doctors being unable to diagnose his pain.  Mike lived life with a positive attitude and truly had a desire to make others happy.  He was also a great proponent for mental health.  He would want anyone reading this to live with a positive attitude and to enjoy life to the fullest.

We miss him dearly, but know he is not suffering any longer.  We know he is in heaven with Grandpa Sunday (trying to find a way to beat him in chess) and Grandma and Grandpa Nelson (we are sure Granny is fixing him more of his favorite mac and cheese) and other family members.  We know we will see him again.  

Mike is survived by his parents, Kenneth Nelson and Glenda Sunday-Nelson, and his brother and sister-in-law, Glen and Zoe Nelson. 

A small immediate family and close friends Memorial Service will be held at First Orlando on Friday April 9 at 11AM.   You can use the link below to watch the service being streamed. 

https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=95ba84c3-e4a7-4cbf-9229-bfd8593445e3

In lieu of flowers, we ask everyone to donate to a local Mental Health foundation in Michael Nelson’s name.  He was a big advocate of Mental Health issues.   

Esther Kodwiw

Esther Kodwiw, age 49, of Longwood, Florida, passed away on Monday, March 29th, 2021 at South Seminole Hospital.  She was born in Accra, Ghana, the daughter  of Felicia (Korley), of Ghana and the late Henry Laryea.

Esther was employed as a banker and was a member of First Baptist Church of Orlando.  She leaves to cherish her memory, husband Anthony Kodwiw of Longwood; mother Felicia Korley of Ghana; brothers Jimmy and Harold Laryea and sister Gifty Laryea all of Manchester, UK.

The family will be receiving friends in the Henry Chapel at First Baptist Church of Orlando at10:00 am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 in the Henry Chapel.  Interment will follow the service at Orlando Memorial Gardens in Apopka.

Michael Boyd Ellis, Sr.

Michael Boyd Ellis, Sr., age 69 of Winter Garden, Florida, passed away Friday, March 19th, 2021 at Health Central Hospital in Ocoee.  He was born in Denton, Georgia, the son of  the late Syhla Louise (Trowell)  and Marcus  Ellis.  He was employed as a forklift operator for 42 years at Louis Dreyfus Citrus in Winter Garden.  

Michael leaves to cherish his memory, wife Martha S. Humphrey-Ellis of Winter Garden and son Michael Boyd Ellis, Jr. of Alabama.   

James Alexander Rhyne, Sr.

It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that the family of James Alexander Rhyne Sr. of
Clermont, Fla. announce his passing on March 21, 2021.  He was born March 4, 1936 to the late Herman A. Rhyne and Eva R. Babb.  Jim grew up in Palm Beach County, graduated from Palm Beach high school and Palm Beach Junior college where he was active in all sports and De Molay fraternity.  While serving in the US Marine Corps Reserve, he attended the University of Florida earning his degrees in Forest Management (1960) and civil engineering (1962) where he was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Throughout his professional engineering career he held many offices and received many honors and awards in his professional organizations.  He was an active, member of the Georgia Engineering Society (named engineer of the year in 1980) and served as vice president of the national society of professional engineers.  During his career he built many roads and bridges in the U.S. and Turkey and mentored many young engineers.

Though he loved his chosen career his priorities were always the love of his life Marilyn and his children.  He spent precious time coaching his children in their many sports.  Camping in the motor home at the beach was a favorite activity as well as golf, fishing and boating and travel.

Jim's special family and friends has made possible a life filled with love and joy.  Jim's memory will be cherished by his best friend and loving wife, Marilyn, of 62 years and their children.  James A. Rhyne Jr. and wife Lesley, Kimberly Rhyne Cantu and husband Mark, Kristen Rhyne Booth and husband Matthew.  He was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 1 great grand child.

Interment will be at Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery following a memorial Mass at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 801 N. Hastings, Orlando FL. on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 10:00 am.   In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to: Shriners Children's Hospital, 855-661-5683, www.loveshriners.com  

Hollis Rudolph Smith

Hollis Rudolph Smith passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021 at Parkview Rehabilitation Center in Winter Park, Florida at the age of 83 from colon cancer. He was born Rudolph Smith on May 1, 1937 in Chaguanas, Trinidad, West Indies to Alexander Smith and Lauretta Smith (Marlow). He migrated to New York City in 1968 where he worked in a vinegar factory. Hollis married Justina Lynn Joseph on October 5, 1968. The following year, their daughter, Judy, was born on October 4, 1969. In 1974, Hollis and his family moved to Jersey City, New Jersey. He obtained his GED at Martin Luther King High School which he was very proud of; and he tutored  adults in Math and Reading. He encouraged many adults to continue their education and earn their GED. 

Hollis worked in the textile industry for Shoreland Textile and Eldridge Textile as a sales representative. After retiring from the textile industry, he became a school bus driver for Jersey City Board of Education. Eventually, Hollis moved to Central Florida and worked for Payless Shoes and Old Tyme Pottery. After retiring from retail, he moved to Trinidad to live for a short time. He then moved back to Central Florida and settled in Orlando. 

Hollis made many friends. He enjoyed having long conversations about his family, politics and religion. He loved listening to Calypso, Steelpan, Reggae, R&B, and classic music, He also enjoyed watching good movies and reading good books including Astrology. 

Hollis leaves to mourn his daughters, Judy Belton (Clarence), Kendra Cooper; stepdaughter, Victoria Justice (William); sons, Hollis Vankummer (Paula), Hollis Smith Jr.; Stepson, Winston Braithwaite; grandchildren, Sharmaine, Jenelle, Dominic, Natalie, Kamieo and Fanaka; step-grandchildren, Lisa, Diana, Winston Jr., Jermaine (Crystal), Christopher, Amanda; step-great-grandchildren, Valerie and Nicole; siblings, Edith Boyd, June Layne (Esau), Alexander Smith Jr., Jennifer Jones, Arthur Smith-Baptiste (Elizabeth), Judith Ann Scott (Roger) and Debra Ann Smith-Baptiste; nieces and nephews, Ruth, Francesca, David, Lisa, Gerard, Ayesha, Atiba, Meesha, Khalil; nine great-nieces and great-nephews and several step nieces and nephews. Hollis also leaves dear and close friends to mourn especially Bertrand and Joan Moore, James and Rosemary Babb, Carl Pinder Jr., Esther Arthur and Pamela Rock.

His funeral will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 at St. Andrews Church, 101 N. Hastings St., Orlando, Fl. 32808. Viewing will be at 10:00AM followed by the Mass at 11:00AM. His final resting place will be Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando, Florida. For live stream: http://standrew-orlando.org/

James Paul Carlo

James Paul Carlo, also known as “Jim” or “Beast”, 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 14^th, 2021. He was born on December 17, 1952 in Morristown, NJ, along with his twin brother Peter Daniel Carlo, to their parents Vito Anthony Carlo and Patricia Hendricks Carlo. His family moved to Maryland where he grew up.  

James was very mischievous and curious as a child. He was an insatiable reader, especially enjoying science fiction and books on military history and aircrafts. He was the original Jersey boy, spending many summers at his parent’s beach house in Seaside Heights, NJ where he became an accomplished fisherman and crabber. As a teen, he was a medal-winning debater and, for a short time, a high school wrestler. He became proficient at photography, auto mechanics, and an expert on military history. James was sometimes boisterous, always loud but had a tender heart for the disadvantaged and lost. He graduated from South Hagerstown High school in 1970. 

 

After moving to Orlando, Florida James met and married his wife Betty-Jo Carlo on June 21, 1987. Together they raised their two children, Barbara Carlo and Robert Russell.  

 

James was a strong, smart, fun, and loving man. He enjoyed history, science-fiction, books, NASCAR, movies, and making people smile. His energy and mood were contagious and he will be forever missed. 

 

James is survived by his wife Betty-Jo Carlo; his children, Barbara Carlo and Robert Russell; his brother Peter Carlo; and his two grandchildren, Kai and Eli McLeod. 

 

Marie "Annette" Bass

Marie “Annette” Bass, 78, finished her work on earth on Friday, March 12, 2021. She was born in Haleyville, Alabama on October 3, 1942 to Elmer Joseph Brown and Maxine Brown. She lived in Orlando, Florida except for the last 8 years of her life, she lived with her daughter in Lakeland, Florida. She was married to Bobby D. Bass on February 6, 1970. She had 2 daughters, Shana and Shelley and a son, Wayne.

She lived a full life. She loved her family and friends and was always willing to help in any way that she could. She was a hairdresser by trade. Her other jobs included Dealer Services prior to her stroke 17 years ago, other jobs included Orange Memorial Hospital, Eagle Army Navy, Eckerds, Albertsons and Goodings (admin), Automotive Finance Corporation, Citrus Dealer Services as well as she at one time was a owner operator of Clarcona Beauty Salon. She was a huge Elvis fan, she loved going to church, gospel sings, shopping, getting her hair and nails done traveling with friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Maxine Brown, her beloved husband, Bobby Bass, and her son, Joseph Wayne Bass. She is survived by her two daughters and son in laws, Shana Ouellette(Tim) and Shelley Bass(Larry). She had 6 grandchildren, Stacey Saddler, Steven Saddler, Billy Pope, Daniel Barton, Tyler Hause and Elfie Bass. She had numerous great grandchildren that loved and adored her. She is also survived by her live-in caregiver, Pamela Thurston.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Dobbs Funeral Home 430 N Kirkman Road, Orlando at 11:00am, Service is at 12:00pm and her final resting place will be at Highland  Memory Gardens in Apopka.

Juanne C. Redman-Hall

Juanne was born on February 13, 1963 in Saint James, Barbados to Alma and Neville Redman.  She migrated to Brooklyn, New York in 1971.  In 1981, she attended and graduated from Eli Whitney Vocational High School in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  After graduating high school, she worked at Chemical Bank as a Secretary and was later promoted to Office Assistant.  She began her professional studies at LaGuardia Community College in Brooklyn, New York but changed course to begin a career in health care.  She attended Allens School of Health Sciences in Brooklyn, New York where she studied to be a Medical Assistant.  With this certification, she became a Medical Lab Assistant at New York Hospital in Manhattan, New York.  In 1990, Juanne relocated to Orlando, Florida, where she worked at the Florida Hospital as a Patient Financial Counselor until 2009 when she was unable to continue working due to her health.

In late 1990, Earle met Juanne in Orlando, Florida where both of their Mothers were friends.  Earle and Juanne fell in love and on May 19, 1992 Juanne and Earle were married.  Earle tells of a story of praying to God that Juanne would become his wife.  They became more than husband and wife; they were soulmates and a match made in heaven.  Juanne has left behind beautiful memories of a devoted wife, friend and a love story that is second to none.  Juanne and Earle were inseparable.  Whenever you saw or heard Juanne, you knew that Earle was right there in her presence.    As faith would have it, their first date was dinner and watching go karts race at an amusement park.  On Juanne’s last birthday a few weeks ago, Juanne and Earle reminisced their first date by having dinner and watching go karts race once again.    

Juanne attended Faith Cathedral Worship Center with her Mother and Grandmother where she was very active.  After several years, she joined Fountain of Living Water Ministries where she was a member for over 20 years, and in 1999 she received her Certificate of License to preach the gospel, perform marriages, administer the sacraments and direct the other functions of the ministry. In 2010, Juanne was again honored with The Humanitarian and Pastoral Aide Award.

In addition, in October 2014, Juanne received a License as an Evangelist to “Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in accordance with the Holy Scriptures”.  She also received several plaques and trophies for her missionary work. 

Juanne loved to sing and spent many days singing at home, while Earle, her beloved husband played the keyboard and trumpet.  She loved to travel and spent a lot of time on the Florida beaches.  She also enjoyed creating fond memories with family and friends.  She was a devoted Christian who would often be involved in many community activities, including outreach ministries and church events.

Juanne is survived by Earle, her husband of 29 years; Jamique (Godson), Junior (J.R.) her brother, Nichele, her niece, Jovon, her nephew, Carlos (Los) her great nephew; her Aunts Elsie, Evadney, Dorothy and many loving cousins including Gail, Tanya, Marlene, Wendy, Andrew Richards, Andrew Grant, David, Chris, Nigel, Tyrone, Tyler, Maureen and a host of other relatives and friends. Juanne was also Godmother to seven boys.

She was preceded in death by Alma A. Redman, her Mother.  Juanne Redman-Hall was 58 years of age when she died on March 5, 2021 at 9:27pm, at Advent Health Hospital, Orlando, Florida.

Calling hours are from 9:00a until 10:00a, followed by the funeral service at 10:00a on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at The Fountains of Living Water Ministries, Inc., located at 2200 Silver Star Road, Orlando FL with Pastor Daniel Malcolm officiating.  Interment will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Sadie Elaine Harris

Sadie Elaine Harris was born on April 5, 1939 in Buff Bay Portland Jamaica to the late Beryl and Clinton Phillips. She attended Buff Bay Primary School and Mt. Carmel High School in Annotto Bay.  Mrs. Harris then went on to The College of Arts,  Science and Technology (CAST) in Kingston, Jamaica.  In 1969, she married Carlton Harris, together they have two daughters and one son. The family migrated to the United States of America and resided in Hartford Connecticut.

Although she was an entrepreneur in sales, Mrs. Harris served over 25 years as a computer operator for the Hartford Insurance Company in Hartford, CT.  She was a distinguished contributor to her Caribbean Community.  As a member of the Caribbean American Society and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church of Hartford, she organized many social events, community mile-stone celebrations, and fundraiser to include; The Annual Marcus Garvey Reverend Collin Bennett fundraising Formal, Silver Tree Anniversary, and Church Harvest.  After many years of community service, a testimonial dinner was held in her honor.  After retiring, Mrs. Harris moved to Apopka, Florida where she lived out the remainder of her life with her loving husband of 51 years.  

Combined with her literary prowess, a love for language arts and spirit of inquiry, she was quite the word smith well-known for educating all on the Latin root of words.  Her love for family and friends was demonstrated through her generous actions.  Additionally, her infectious laughter, her positive outlook on life and great sense of humor will long be remembered. 

On Tuesday March 2, 2021, Mrs. Harris’ earthly journey ended when the Lord called her home.  Mrs. Harris is preceded in death by her three sisters Cecile (Peaches) Whilby, Kaye (Plummy) Williams, Joan (Jean) Gaynor, and her brother William Phillips.  She leaves to cherish her memory, husband Carlton Harris, son Macardo (Larry) Harris, daughter Olivine Singh, Mahendra Singh (son-in-law), daughter Andrea Smith, and Northern Smith Jr. (son-in-law).  Mrs. Harris also leaves behind three sisters, Beverly (Bev) Rose, Pauline Phillips, Andrea Phillips, brother Cloxton (Sonny) Phillips, four grandchildren Priya Davis, Praveen Davi Sadie Singh, Kamini Singh, Northern Smith III, and three great-grandchildren Nyla Almestica, Cooper Davis, and Cameron Davis.  In addition, she leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of trusted friends throughout the United States and around the world.
                                                                      

                                                                                               She is loved by all.

The family will be receiving friends from 1:30 until 3:00 pm, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 pm on Friday, March 12th, 2021 at First United Methodist Church located at 201 S. Park Avenue, Apopka, FL 32703.

Andre Joseph Murat

Andre Joseph Murat, age 82, of Orlando, FL, passed away at 0615, Friday, February 26th,
2021 at Cornerstone Hospice at Orlando Health,  He was born in Gonaives, Haiti and was employed as an automotive mechanic.

Andre leaves to cherish his memory son Guerlens Murat of Orlando; and is also survived by 1 grandchild, Karlens Murat of Orlando.

Calling hours will start at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Dobbs Funeral Home followed by the funeral service at 2:00 pm with Deacon Laurence Herbert officiating.

Felicita Marquez Roman

Felicita Marquez Roman, age 94, of Orlando, FL passed away Thursday, January 28th, 2021 in Vero Beach, Florida.  She was born in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico,  the daughter of of the late Juana (Roman)  and Benito  Marquez and was employed as a seamstress.

Felicita is  survived by two daughters, Virginia Lopez of Orlando, Eileen Lopez, of Davenport 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held at 10:00a followed by the funeral mass at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 6th, 2021 at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Orlando, FL  with Father Leo Hodges officiating.

Interment was held at Highland Memory Gardens in Apopka, FL. 

Mary E. Greene

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mary E. Greene, loving and devoted Mother, age 70 of Orlando, Florida on Sunday, January 24, 2021. She was born in Chicago, Illinois to the late Joseph and Helen Milazzo.

She is preceded in death by the love of her life, the late James "Wally" Patrick Greene, Airborne Ranger in the United States Army. Mary missed him dearly and is now united with him again.

Mary and Wally were married on November 13, 1976. Nine years later they were blessed with their only daughter, Kellianne. After Wally passed away in 1991, Mary would always say he had prepared her to handle anything and  she raised  her daughter by herself instilling that same independence  in her. Mary and Kelli were more than mother and daughter; they were best friends for the past 35 years.

In Chicago, Mary worked at Bell South for 34 years, where she retired as Project Manager. After moving to Orlando, she worked for Quick Transportation, where she was a key member of the reservation and billing team.

Mary loved to entertain and was famous for her 4^th of July parties that she would host in honor of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, that she and her late husband Wally were members of in Illinois. Even after Wally's death, she continued the tradition. She loved cooking and loved to take care of others. She would always say "There is still food left, keep eating" .

Mary was a longtime member of West Orange Women.  Since joining in 2006 she held many offices and was currently serving again as the Treasurer. "In many ways Mary was the heart and hands of the West Orange Women", as stated in a recent WOW Newsletter. Mary and her daughter also chaired the WOW Charity Committee for the last several years, where she crocheted thousands of hats for newborns, soldiers and the less fortunate. Mary worked very closely with Matthew' s Hope Ministries, a faith-based homeless outreach ministry serving the needs of those who have some connection to West Orange County

Mary loved children and is survived by her daughter, Kellianne; Godson, Leo; and Leia, daughter of her friends, Stacy and Will, who she loved as her own grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Matthew's Hope. https://www.matthewshopeministries.org

Mary touched so many lives and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 10:00am at St Andrews Catholic Church, 801 N. Hastings Street, Orlando, FL.

For those that cannot attend in person, a live stream has been scheduled for the service starting at 10:00am.  

Please follow these instructions to join us.

Type or copy this link in your search bar:  http://www.standrew-orlando.org/

1. It will open the website for St. Andrews Catholic Church
2. Click on the opening picture that says  “Click here to watch our live stream mass”  
3. Once opened, scroll down to the picture of the church under  “Live Stream Mass Schedule” 
4. Click on the 'white arrow' and that will bring you into the church LIVE

  

Richard Lee Burdette

Richard Lee Burdette, age 82, of Orlando, passed away Sunday, February 7th,  2021 at AdventHealth Orlando.  He was born in Huntington, West Virginia, the son of the late Erma Lee Shinn and Willie  Burdette.  Richard served in the US Army and was employed as a truck driver.  

Richard is  survived by his wife Barbara (Leach) Burdette of Orlando; three daughters, Andrea Pratt of Harrison, Michigan, Katherine Lawler of St. Claire, Michigan, Elizabeth Burdette of Orlando;  four sons Richard Howard Burdette of Stirling Heights, Michigan,  Michael Burdette of St. Claire, Michigan,  Thomas Burdette of Roseville, Michigan, Christopher Burdette of Orlando; 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at Dobbs Funeral Home.  

Lucille Yvonne Hendy

Lucille Yvonne Hendy, age 84, of Orlando, FL, passed away at 1351, Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 at Osceola Regional Medical Center in Kissimmee.  She was born in Georgetown, Guyana the daughter of Ena (Primo) and James Franklin.  Lucille  was employed as a nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in New York City.

Lucille is  survived by two daughters, Veronica Bunbury and Tessa Hendy, both of Orlando; four sons. Gerald Pinhero of New York, Wilfred Bunbury of Orlando, Christopher Hendy of Orlando, Fritz Desir of New York; sister, Pansey Hendy of Orlando;  23 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.  

The family will be receiving friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Dobbs Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 8450 Silver  Star  Road, Orlando 32818.

Samuel James "Jim" Close

Samuel James “Jim” Close passed away on February 7, 2021.  He was born in Fulton, New York on April 17, 1937, the son of the late Samuel John Close and Katherine Kavanaugh Close.  He was a graduate from both Fulton High School and SUNY Delhi. 

Following his college graduation, Jim became a brother in Maryknoll Catholic Missions where he built dormitories for the religious order in San Francisco, Chicago and Brookline, Massachusetts.  He came to Central Florida in the winter of 1963 for a vacation and loved it so much that he never left.  He was a builder and general contractor for 45 years and built condominiums, custom homes and commercial buildings across the state.  Later in his life, he worked in Watercraft at Walt Disney World, enjoying the water and driving the boats to the Magic Kingdom.

Jim built a wonderful life in Orlando with his wife, Janice, and their two daughters, Jennifer and Kristin.  He was a devout Catholic who attended mass weekly over the years at Holy Family Catholic Church, Mary Queen of the Universe Shrine and Resurrection Catholic Church.  Jim enjoyed traveling, golf, history, jigsaw puzzles and gardening.  He also enjoyed aviation and held a private pilot’s license for many years.  He loved nature and animals and was often seen walking the family pet.  Jim was a peaceful, gentle and selfless man who was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.  We will miss him dearly and are all better people for having known him.   

He is survived by his wife, Janice Close of Winter Garden; daughters Jennifer Close of Winter Garden and Kristin (Stephen) Vamossy of Valhalla, NY; grandsons Andrew & James Vamossy of Valhalla, NY; sisters Mary Close of Leesburg and Monica Colaneri of Troy, NY; brother Patrick Close of Black Mountain, NC; and countless other family members and friends who loved him for his kindness. 

Jim was a parishioner of Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden.  A funeral mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 11:00 am.  Interment will follow at Winter Garden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden, Florida to support the refurbishment of the church.  

The direct website to the online giving page is https://www.osvonlinegiving.com/586/Home/NewQuickGive.  

Please choose “Funded Depreciation Reserve” as the Fund Type to support the building fund.  Checks can also be mailed to Resurrection Catholic Church, 1211 Winter Garden Vineland Road,  Winter Garden, FL 34787.

Ricardo R. Santiago

Ricardo R. Santiago, age 52 of Orlando, passed away on Tuesday,
January 5, 2021.  He was born in Vineland, New Jersey the son of Pedro Colon and Ines Margaritta (Rodriguez) Santiago and was the co-owner of a pest control company.

Ricardo (aka Slick Rick) leaves behind to cherish memory his wife Elisabel  Santiago sons Ricky and Michael Santiago daughter Alexis R Santiago Step children Susana, Stephanie, Daniel Grandchildren Aayden E Hernandez, Alize Marie Santiago and Eli A Santiago Mother Ines M Santiago Brothers Pedro, Willy and Jose Santiago Sisters Enid and Yolanda Santiago Until we meet again you will surely be missed 

R