Luisa D. Ortea

Luisa D. Ortea was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Jan 6th, 1918, to Luis Mitchell and Cecilia Druyar. She was 103 years old when she passed on November 8th, 2021. She was the last survivor of 18 siblings. She was the widow of Hector Ortea and is survived by her three children; Henry (son), Ines (daughter), and Yolanda (daughter); three grandchildren, Elia (granddaughter), Richard (grandson), and Ronald (grandson); and one great grandchild, Valor (great grandson), and MANY nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was an extraordinary woman as a single mother in the Dominican Republic working extremely hard to educate and rear her children. Her prayer was for the Lord to see her children grow up, and she was granted that wish with her 103 years on this earth.

In 1957 she immigrated to the United States to start a new life. She was an accomplished cook in American, French and Hispanic cuisine by the time she arrived in the US. Her last 22 years before retirement, she was the Head Chef for The Center for Hellenic Studies located in Washington DC, which is an affiliate of Harvard University. She was an active member of Capital Spanish Seventh Day Adventist Church. She loved travelling, cooking, and spending time with family. She adored her grandchildren, as they were the joy of her life, and having the opportunity to meet her only great grandchild made her smile to no end. Her love of life was evident to those who were around her. If you would have asked her what her secret to longevity was, her answer may have been: Live well, Laugh often, and Love much. She will be missed dearly.