Haydee Munoz-Ortiz

Haydee Munoz-Ortiz On the morning of Sunday, October 16th, after a short and aggressive battle with cancer, Haydee Munoz-Ortiz, 85, of Sebring Florida rose to her place in Heaven. She left this world surrounded by and holding the hands of her beloved children and grandchildren. Born on May 12th 1937 to Verena Montalvo and Antonio Centeno in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Haydee spent her childhood and early teen years there, on the Isla de Encanto. (Island of Enchantment). She later moved to Philadelphia and graduated from Hallahan, Catholic Girl's High School in 1954. In the years that followed, Haydee married Ricardo Muñoz-Ortiz and had three children, Richard Muñoz-Ortiz, Mary "Liza" Rodriguez, and Michael Muñoz-Ortiz. After the death of her husband, Haydee worked tirelessly to provide for and raise her three young children. For many years, she cared for her eldest son Ritchie, who suffered health problems from which he passed in 1994. She simultaneously watched over and supported her mother, Verena, until her passing a year later in 1995. In the years during and since, she lead a life based on hard work, friendship, and family. She will be remembered most by her sisters, extended family, and friends for her sharp sense of humor and her ability to laugh during even the most difficult of times. Haydee's happiest years were spent helping to raise and in the company of her devoted grandchildren; Brandon Sarzynski, Deanna Elston, and Gabrielle Muñoz-Ortiz. She separately claimed all three were her favorite and routinely swore each to secrecy. Known lovingly as Tita to her grandchildren and four great grandchildren–– Evan Elston, Lexie Elston, Verena Sarzynski, and Landon Elston––Haydee remained fiercely committed to her family up to and including the day of her passing. Haydee loved dogs and raised numerous gentle canines during her lifetime. She leaves behind her cherished dog Chiki, who has been adopted by family. Haydee is survived by her dearest sisters Lydia Centeno Torres and Lucy Centeno O'Leary, along with her loving daughter Liza and son Michael, her three grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She loved and cared for her family fiercely, and tried to protect them, and because of that they loved and will always love her with all of their hearts. Haydee is preceded in death by her Father, Mother, Son, and brother Ralph Centeno along with numerous furry companions who await her in Heaven. Although Haydee moved to Florida years ago, she will be laid to rest, as was her wish, beside her much loved son Ritchie at New Cathedral Cemetery in Philadelphia. The family requests that all flowers are sent to the grave site at New Cathedral Cemetery, Front St. & Luzerne St. Philadelphia, PA 19140 (215) 302-9364. Please send any donations to assist the family with costs tohttps://gofund.me/5e2dd844 The service will be held graveside at Noon on Wednesday October 26th, with a luncheon to follow.