Eva Irene Medrano

Born in Havana, Cuba on April 5, 1951, Evita—as she was affectionately known to family and friends—was the eldest daughter of Eva and Rufino Alonso. She grew up in a family of strong matriarchs who showed her what was possible through hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to family.

Evita’s strength and determination were tested early in life. In 1967, at just 16 years old, she emigrated to the United States with her family. Settling in New York City without speaking a word of English, she bravely navigated the New York City public school system while embracing her role as protector and guide to her younger sisters, the late Lourdes (Jose) Gonzalez and Maria de los Angeles (Jose) Garcia.

Evita attended George Washington High School in Washington Heights, where she formed many lifelong friendships that she cherished until her final days. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Romance Languages from Hunter College in 1972. She had a deep love for music, art, dancing, telenovelas, and a good joke.

Dedicated to helping others, Evita spent more than four decades working as a medical assistant to Dr. Alejandro Palacios, Dr. Otto Caveda, and Dr. Camilo Achuri. Her compassion,

professionalism, and warmth made her beloved by both colleagues and patients. She retired in 2015.

It was while working for Dr. Palacios that Evita met Jose Angel Medrano, whom she married on June 9, 1979. Their marriage was filled with dancing, going out with their extensive families, and travels to California and Florida. On July 1, 1980, Evita and Jose Angel welcomed their daughter, Evian, whom they raised lovingly alongside her stepdaughters, Sandra (Martin) Medrano-Arroyo and Madeline (Carlos) Del Castillo.

On August 18, 1982, Evita faced the unimaginable loss of her husband, leaving her a widow and single mother at just 31 years old. Though this loss profoundly changed her life, it never hardened her spirit. With the support of her family, she surrounded Evian with love, strength, and stability, always honoring the memory of Jose Angel and helping shape Evian into the remarkable woman she is today.

In 1985, Evita met her lifelong partner, Faustino Fontaine. Together they traveled the world, cooked unforgettable family meals, laughed endlessly, danced often, and faced life hand in hand. Faustino loved Evita deeply and devoted himself to her and Evian until God called him home on March 16, 2007.

In August 2007, Evita’s life took on a new and beautiful purpose with the birth of her grandson, Ethan Angel Massa. She dedicated herself to raising him with the same values that shaped her upbringing. Alongside her sisters, Evita ensured that Ethan was always safe, loved, and cared for. In 2015, Evita relocated to Plantation, Florida with Evian and Ethan, with whom she lived until her final day.

Raising Ethan became Evita’s greatest joy—taking him to and from Saint David’s School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School, befriending his classmates, and proudly cheering him on at his football games. She also cherished time spent with her grandsons Orlando (Rosemary) Mastrapa, Jose Angel (Candi) Mastrapa, Christian (Katie) Del Castillo, and Adrian Del Castillo, and her great-grandchildren Madison Mastrapa, Matthew Mastrapa, Autumn Mastrapa, and Logan Del Castillo.

Her home was always filled with laughter, music, strong coffee, good chisme, and an abundance of love.

Throughout her life, Eva was known by many names—Evita, Evi, Nené, Chucha, Mami, Tavita, Maña, and Bela—but if one word could define her, it would be joy. She was a friend to all, known for her radiant smile, vibrant personality, and fierce love for her family.

Evita is survived by her daughter Evian Medrano; her sister Maria (Jose) Garcia; her stepdaughters Sandra (Martin) Medrano-Arroyo and Madeline (Carlos) Del Castillo; her five grandsons and four great-grandchildren; nieces Iciar (Vincenzo) Garcia, Lorena (Blas) Gonzalez, and Massiel (Walker) Garcia-Tanner; her five grandsons and four great-grandchildren; several grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and many more beloved relatives and friends.

She will live on in the stories we tell, the recipes we share, the jokes we repeat, and the songs we sing (especially Las Mañanitas).

Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 2:00–6:00 PM at Fred Hunter’s Funeral Home – Davie (2401 S. University Drive, Davie, FL 33324).

In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that Mass cards be offered or donations made in her honor to the American Lung Association or the COPD Foundation.