Maxima Decena

Maxima Decena, beloved matriarch and guiding light, was born on July 31, 1935, in Banica, Dominican Republic, to Manuel Berigüete and Teolinda Quezada. From a joyful childhood, she was inspired by faith and the kindness of a devoted missionary, who would later become her husband and lifelong companion. In 1949, Maxima married Merquiades Decena in Boc Banique, Haiti. Together, they built a remarkable life across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the United States, blessing the world with eight children.

Maxima’s devotion to her family knew no bounds. As a loving homemaker and skilled seamstress, she ensured her parents and children always had what they needed. Her days were filled with sewing, cooking, and nurturing—motherhood was her greatest joy. She cherished laughter with her sons, guided her daughters, and welcomed all into her home with warmth. Maxima’s nurturing spirit reached beyond her household, offering support and wisdom to others. Her faith anchored her family, as she devoted herself to prayer and became a steadfast foundation for loved ones near and far.

Maxima was preceded in death by her parents, Teolinda and Manuel; siblings Fernando, Generoso, German, Jaime, Ricarda, and Senobia; her loving husband of 66 years, Merquiades; sons Enmanuel and Roberto; and granddaughters Nelsi and Brielle.

She is survived by her loving children: Rosa Elena; Leonel and his wife Iris; Esther and her husband German; Sergio and his wife Altagracia; Jorge and his wife Rosio; Berta and her husband Clay; Bernodes; and Roberto’s wife, ShaGayla. Her legacy continues through her many grandchildren: Arsheen and his children Tariq, Arsheen, and Samad; Yasmiyn, her husband Tony, and their children Kyree and Anthony; Delwin, his son Delwin Jr., and his grandson; Percy, his wife Miranda, and their children Sean, Naomi, and Grant; Charles and his children Madison, Mackenzie, and Isaac; George, his wife Gabby, brother Geordanis, and their mother Joselin; Erika, her partner Kevin, and their children Natalie, Nadia, Kimora, and Kiley; Omar, his wife Tiffany, and their children Omarielis and Zoriana; Aramis and his children Jeremih and Jayaree; Brittany, her husband Nick, and their children Yasmin and Nick; Angelo, his wife Rose, and their child Liam; Amanda, her husband John, and their children Jaiden, Julianna, Harley, and Jaxson; Drake; Brigitte and her mother Evie; Travis, his wife Brie, and their children Jayden and Elena; Meigan; Giannina; and Ritsel, her husband Chukwunweike, and their son David. She is also fondly remembered by her sister Plaida; her nephew Eddie, his wife Nancy, and their children Jeremy, Ashley and her husband Vincent, and Sheldon; and her niece Carmen, husband Guillermo, their children Leslie and Andres, Andres’s wife Paula, and their grandchild Malakai.

Maxima’s legacy of faith, love, and compassion endures in the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind a heritage of kindness, faith, and unwavering love—a life truly well-lived.