Aida Luz Cortes

Aida Luz Cortes, age 88, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026, just days after celebrating her birthday. She was born on May 13, 1938, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, to Celestino Torres and Regina Benitez Torres. Her family consisted of five brothers and seven sisters.

At the age of 16, Aida moved to New York City, where she lived with her sister, Dominga Crespo. It was there, at the age of 20, that she met her future husband, Rito Cortes, beginning a lifelong love story that led to their marriage on May 8, 1961. Together they built a family rooted in love, strength, and perseverance.

She is survived by her children: Abbe Rivera, Nancy Carlo, Carolyne Reyes-Altmann, and Frank Cortes, along with many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss her presence.

Aida loved being a grandmother and deeply cherished her grandchildren. Even while working and running her business, she helped raise three of her nine grandchildren at her place of work. Ashley Rosa, Nathan Cortes, and Isabella Cortes had the special blessing of spending much of their early lives under the

loving care of their grandmother.

Aida dedicated her life to her profession as a cosmetologist, a career she truly loved. Her passion for making others feel beautiful and confident remained with her throughout her life, and she continued working until the remarkable age of 82.

Aida became a Seventh-day Adventist while living in New York, where her faith journey began at the Soundview Seventh-day Adventist Church. She served in many roles throughout her spiritual life and remained deeply committed to her church community. After moving to Florida, she continued her faithful service as a dedicated member of the New Port Richey Seventh-day Adventist Church. At one time, she served as Head Deaconess and was also a cherished member of the church sanctuary choir. Her faith, service, and love

for her church family were an important part of her life and legacy.

Outside of her work and church life, Aida found joy and peace in her garden, especially caring for her flowering plants. She also loved to cook. For much of her life, she would be up between 5 and 6 AM preparing food for the day. There was always food in abundance in her home, and anyone who came to visit was warmly welcomed and always fed. She was a gracious host whose home reflected her generosity and love for others.

She was known for her humor, her stubborn spirit, and for living life fully and unapologetically on her own terms. Her strength, independence, and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at Meadowlawn Funeral & Memorial Gardens on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Aida will be remembered with love, laughter, and gratitude for the beautiful life she lived and the family she cherished.