Laura Muñiz

With deep love and eternal gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Laura Muñiz, affectionately known as “Leila” and “Mama Louie”. She peacefully departed on March 4, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by love at The Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in Park Slope.

Born on August 18, 1938, in Patillas, Puerto Rico, Laura was the eldest daughter of Timoteo and Maximina Tirado, and was very close with her siblings Milton, Alex, Bethzaida (“Meisy”) and Orlando.

In the mid 1950s, Laura came to live in New York City, where she and her first husband, Alfredo Piñero, welcomed their beloved daughter, Elizabeth (“Ellie”). Later, in 1976, Laura and her husband, Juan Muniz, welcomed their beloved son, Luis.

Throughout the years, Laura had various jobs, including factory worker, seamstress and bus matron. However, her most important work was as a mother, wife and caregiver.

Laura was the heart of our family—a woman of boundless generosity, resilience and love. She modeled love of family, culture and traditional Puerto Rican values, never missing a family event or celebration.

Her hobbies included, cooking, embroidery, puzzle-making, playing the lottery, and watching her beloved New York Mets. She was also well known for continuing the tradition of making pasteles during the holiday season.

Laura is survived by her husband of 50 years, Juan Muñiz, her daughter, Elizabeth, her son, Luis, her grandchildren, Jose (“Mikey”), Erik, Jazzlyn, Freddy and Lila, and by her great grandchildren, Michael Jay, Jordan, Jacob, Mialyn and Aidyn.

She will forever be remembered as a woman of unwavering strength and devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on in all who had the pleasure of having known her.

Rest in peace, Mama Louie.

A visitation for Laura will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Joseph G. Duffy, 255 Ninth Street, Brooklyn, NY 112153905, followed by a visitation from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.