Maria Toya Victoria Vasquez

Maria Victoria Vasquez 85, better known as Toya, passed away peacefully on August 08, 2013 at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas, NV. Toya was born January 17, 1928 in Humacao, Puerto Rico to her loving parents Pablo and Luisa Enriquez. She attended school in Humacao, where she gained a love for her long time passion of poetry. She married the love of her life Bienvenido Vasquez on June 12, 1946. Welcoming three children Jose Ramon, Maria Victoria, and Bienvenido Vazquez Jr. Toya later followed her husband to Powelton Village, Philadelphia where she worked as a dressmaker/seamstress. In her free time she was often heard on local radio reciting her original works of poetry as well as singing a song or two. Later, Benny and Toya moved to Southern California where they worked to help many family members and friends find new homes and opportunities in the United States. Considered pillars in the community, well loved and respected for their generosity they ran and assisted the start of many small businesses, some of which still stand today. With plans to settle in Miami, Florida a last minute trip to Las Vegas proved to be life changing as Benny and Toya came to call it their final home. Toya spent her later years continuing work as a seamstress and caring for her husband. She was famous for her arroz con gandules and cherished for her love of family. She enjoyed music, novellas, books, and her beloved poetry. A real artist on a sewing machine, whether hemming a dress or a custom gift, it was made with perfection and love. Toya was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and cousin. She will be dearly missed as much as loved. She was preceded in death by her husband Benny, sons Jose and Benny Jr., and Brother Pablo. She is survived by her daughter Maria, Brothers Angel, Anibal, Luis Angel, Sister Luz and her many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends alike.