Yvis Insua

Born on February 17, 1944, in Guines, Cuba, Yvis Mercedes Carabeo Chao was the cherished youngest daughter of Manuel Carabeo and Maria Luisa Chao and baby sister of Migdalia, China and Lila, with whom she emigrated to the United States and moved to Louisiana in 1962. It was here that Yvis first worked at LSU Medical Center and was introduced to the field of Histology, a specialty she remained passionate about throughout her career. She proudly became a naturalized U.S. citizen on October 28, 1981, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Yvis and her beloved husband, Henry, moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, in 1978, with two of their children, Ralph and Ibis (Tati to her family). Here, they built a warm home filled with laughter and energy, sharing it with all five children: Ralph, Tati, Juan, Rosa, and Barbara (Barbie). Yvis’ devotion to her family was boundless, and she nurtured a home rich in love and laughter.

In Hot Springs, Yvis continued her work in Histology, first at St. Joseph’s Hospital and then at the new AMI Medical Center (now National Park Medical Center), where she opened the lab and worked until her retirement in 2017. Her dedication and expertise in her field were widely respected, and she was a valued member of the medical community.

Yvis shared Henry's passion for the beauty of nature and the joy of exploration and travel. Together, they created a beautiful home and gardens that reflected their love for Hot Springs. Their journeys took them across continents, creating treasured and lasting memories. They experienced the awe of natural and human-made wonders, from the great Pyramids of Egypt to the serene temples of Thailand, the vastness of the Grand Canyon to the deserts of California, and many more inspiring destinations.

Yvis had a special bond with her pets, and over the years, her home was graced by the companionship of her dogs: Lady, Coco, JJ, Frito, Peggy Sue, Lilly, and Lilo, as well as her cherished cats: Lucy, Tigger, Blacky, and Mini.

Yvis’ warm, honest and welcoming spirit made her a beloved friend to many. She was known for her generosity, her light-hearted and wise support of her family, her friends and her community, to whom she remained dedicated to the end.

On July 4, 2024, Yvis peacefully passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and humor. She is reunited with her husband, Henry, their son Juan Enrique Insua, granddaughter Taylor Suarez, her brothers-in-law, José (Pepe) Amaro, Israel Pernia and Miguel Gutierrez, sister-in-law Rosa Ivanec, son-in-law Mark Holley, and her older sisters, Rita Migdalia and Marta Neurka (China). Yvis is survived by her sister Ynette Tomasa (Lila), her loving children, Ralph, Tati and her husband Richard, Rosa, and Barbie, who will forever cherish the memories of their beloved mother.

Yvis leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren, to whom she will always be Mima: Ashley, Harrison, Nathan, Jack, Logan and his wife Nicole, Salomé, and Nicolas. She is also remembered by her brother-in-law, Nestor, and dear friends Leonor & Burt Barr, Dr. Jorge & Alicia Jimenez, and Maury Rosales. Maury, who was like an adopted daughter, gave Yvis her loyalty and tender care during her final years, for which the entire family is eternally grateful. They count Maury as one of their own.

Yvis was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, and her legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. The Insua family extends their heartfelt thanks to the Hot Springs community for their enduring friendship and support throughout the years. May Yvis' memory be a blessing to all. A service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Hot Springs, AR.