Andrea C. Noriega

Andrea C. Noriega, 82, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2024. She was born in Regla, Cuba, on October 17, 1941, to Oscar “Mipa” Sanchez and Maria Del Carmen Carrigan. Andrea migrated to New York from Cuba with her family on September 15, 1957, and lived a life full of love, devotion, and warmth.

On September 29, 1962, Andrea married the love of her life, Wilfredo Noriega, in New York. She embraced a large family of 14 brothers and sisters through this union, which became an extension of her own. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership until Wilfredo's passing on December 31, 2020. Though his loss left Andrea with a broken heart, she found the strength to carry on, continuing to create cherished memories with her family. Despite the profound loss, she remained a pillar of strength and support for those she loved.

Andrea was a dedicated Catholic who stayed true to her faith. She was predeceased by her father, Oscar Sanchez; her mother, Maria Del Carmen Sanchez-Carrigan; her sister, Maria del Carmen Sanchez-Moya, also known as “Mimi”; and her beloved husband, Wilfredo Noriega.

Andrea's memory will be cherished by her surviving family: her brother, Alberto Sanchez; her sister, Rosemary Sobrado-Rodriguez; her son, Wilfredo Noriega Jr.; her daughter, Ileana Smothers; her son-in-law, Jay Smothers; her grandson, Frank Noriega; her granddaughter, Giselle Hay; her granddaughter, Jayme Smith and her husband, Jeffery Smith; her great-granddaughter, Emily Smith and her grandson, Andrew Smothers.

Andrea, who was always full of energy, loved making her daily trips to Publix, enjoying the simple pleasures of life such as vacations and road trips, sitting on the front or back patio, and playing her scratch-offs. Andrea was always up for a good laugh, great conversation, and had interesting stories to share. She also loved and spoiled all her furry grand and great-grand pups. Her vibrant spirit and zest for life touched everyone who knew her.

Andrea was an incredible daughter, wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister, Titi/Tia, and friend! Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and dedication will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her. May she rest in peace, reunited with her beloved Wilfredo in eternal life.