Ernestina Barreto

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Ernestina “Tina” Barreto, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished matriarch whose unconditional love, generosity, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her.

Ernestina was born on October 9, 1946, in Yauco, Puerto Rico, to Adolfo Dastas Gutierrez and Eulogia Caraballo Rivera. One of seven children, she grew up surrounded by the love and traditions of her close-knit family alongside her siblings Sarah, Hermes, Ileana, Nilsa, Adolfo Jr., and Melvin.

She later moved to New York, where she met and married her late husband, Carlos Barreto. Together, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Lisette. Her family grew with the addition of her cherished son-in-law, Raymond Torres, whom she adored as her own, and her two precious grandsons, Raymond Jr. and Ryan, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.

Throughout her life, Ernestina worked as a seamstress and home attendant, reflecting her dedication, patience, and natural gift for caring for others. A woman of deep Catholic faith, she was an active member of her church community and lived each day with kindness, humility, and selflessness, always placing the needs of others before her own.

To her family, Tina was the heart of the home, a source of strength, comfort, and unconditional love. She had a special way of bringing everyone together, creating cherished memories and making everyone feel welcomed and loved.

In her later years, Ernestina relocated to Valrico, Florida, with her daughter, where she remained surrounded by family until her passing.

She leaves behind her loving daughter, Lisette; cherished son-in-law, Raymond; treasured grandsons, Raymond Jr. and Ryan; surviving siblings, Hermes, Nilsa, and Melvin; and countless nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Though her passing leaves a void no one can fill, her legacy lives on through the traditions she created, the lessons she taught, and the countless lives she touched with her love.

We find comfort in knowing that her beautiful spirit, unwavering faith, and unconditional love will remain with us always.

Rest peacefully in God’s eternal embrace, our beloved Tina. Your work here on earth is done, but your love will continue to guide us forever.

Until we meet again. Te amaremos por siempre.

Visitation will be held at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511, on October 14, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Nativity Catholic Church, 705 E Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511, on October 15, 2026, at 1:00 pm.