Bernice Ortiz's Obituary
Bernice Ortiz, 97 years young, of Miami, FL, went to her eternal rest on January 6, 2023.
She was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. She was the eldest of eight children and came to Highland Falls,
New York at 16 years of age to start a new life with her mother Isabel. She lived for close to 50 years in
the Bronx, NY and relocated to Miami in 1995.
She was an activist who worked as a volunteer with many organizations to help the less fortunate in the
Latino community. She retired as an Employment Specialist from the New York State Department of
Labor.
She was a social butterfly who had a wonderful sense of humor. She was compassionate and loving with
a smile that would light up a room.
She is pre-deceased by her son, William Martin, Jr. and survived by her daughter, Gizelle Ortiz-Velazquez
(“Cookie”), son-in-law, George Velazquez, grandchildren Allegra and Andres Velazquez, and great
grandson, Roman Cid.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association
(https://act.alz.org).
Link to Livestream of Celebration of Life
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3MzMxNzcwNjEwNzQ1MTAmb25lcm9vbS1lbWFpbCZpbnZpdGF0aW9uX2NvcHlfbGluaw==
What’s your fondest memory of Bernice?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernice?
Share a story where Bernice's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernice you’ll never forget.
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