Ileana M. Machado-Ruiz

IIleana Machado was born June 28, 1950 in Havana, Cuba to Joseph and Adelaida Machado. Ileana fled communist Cuba with her family in 1960 to seek democracy in the United States making Miami, FL their home.

As a young girl, she overcame challenges and proudly graduated Southwest High School in 1968. After graduation she began an accomplished 40-year career as a Legal Assistant at several major Miami law firms and for the last 11 years at Cole, Scott and Kissane. Ileana was described by her coworkers as an angel on earth, a ray of sunshine, compassionate, encouraging and always willing to help and train others.

Ileana spent her life completely devoted to her family and friends. When her older brother passed away, she made it a priority to provide support and care for his surviving children and, years later, her great-nephew, Roberto. Ileana had a unique zest for life and was always ready for an adventure, no matter how big or small. During her free time, she loved to dance, travel and be with her treasured family.

Ileana departed this life suddenly on December 11, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, Joseph. She is survived by her nephew and godson, J.C. Machado, wife Celestine; her niece Christine Risso, husband Giacomo; her brother, Orlando Machado; her sister-in-law, Ann Machado; and countless other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and coworkers who loved her very much. Ileana’s memory will live on in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at Caballero Dignity Memorial, Woodlawn Park Cemetery South, 11655 SW 117th Street, Miami on Monday, December 23, 2019 at 4 p.m. A private internment will take place with Ileana’s immediate family on a future date. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to one of Ileana’s favorite charities, the Chapman Foundation or Friends of South Florida Music.