Celia Quinones

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, Celia Maria Quinones-Walker (Yeya) transitioned into God’s care. He saw her weariness and took her home so she could have eternal rest.

Our beloved Celia was born in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico, on July 22, 1922, to Marcelina Walker-Orta and Fernándo Quiñones. She came to New York with her husband, José Figueroa, in 1945. Throughout the years, she realized many careers: secretary (the first bilingual secretary working for the Veterans Administration in Broadway, New York), hairdresser, and salon owner. However, her biggest passion was teaching. She returned to school late in her professional life, received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Herbert H. Lehman College in New York, and worked in education for many years in New York and Puerto Rico. Upon retiring, she came to Connecticut, where she worked for 15 years with Big Brothers Big Sisters Grandparents Program throughout East Hartford Public Schools and finally at St. Rose School, assisting teachers in the classroom.

Our mother left beautiful memories, and her love will remain a guiding force for anyone blessed to know her. Although we cannot see her, Celia will stay by our side. She will be cherished by her sister Luz M. -Quiñones-Walker (Minina), her children Magali Figueroa Sánchez and Nydia Hancox (husband Ronald Hancox), her Son (deceased) Edgardo Figueroa, her grandsons Gerardo Pérez, Brandon Hancox, Julian Hancox, granddaughter Celina Figueroa-Williams, great-granddaughters Sofía Pérez and Adalyn Mellady, great-grandsons Cameron Mellady and Talan Mellady, and a host of nephews, nieces, family, and friends.

Please join the family on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford, for her Celebration of Life Service from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. A Prayer Service will be held at 1:45. Celia will return to her beloved Puerto Rico, where her ashes will be scattered in the Caribbean.

Donations can be made in Celia's name to Big Brothers Big Sisters, 30 Laurel Street, Hartford, CT 06106.