Milila Cordero

Our hearts are heavy as we share the news of the passing of our beloved mother, Milila Cordero. She peacefully left us in her sleep at her New York City home on March 3, 2023, just a few days short of her 91st birthday.

Milila was born on March 8, 1932, in Jaguey, Aguada, Puerto Rico, as the youngest of two children of Manuel and Paula Cordero. She had a close relationship with her sister, who has since passed away. While working as a seamstress sewing men’s handkerchiefs in Puerto Rico, she met her late husband, Manuel Cordero, who she left with to search for better employment and opportunities in New York City. There, she worked in the garment industry sewing Halloween costumes before returning to Puerto Rico for five years to care for her ailing father and to manage her father’s farm.

After her father's passing, Milila and her family moved back to New York City and settled in East Harlem, where she raised her three children, Hilda Lamas, Nancy Lugo, and Manuel Cordero Jr., and cared for her mother until her passing.

Milila was a devoted mother who always put her children's needs before her own. She encouraged them to pursue higher education and strive for excellence in everything they chose to do. Her love, kindness, and generosity were felt by everyone who knew her. She enjoyed hosting large gatherings with family and friends during holidays and cherished cooking, dancing, and having fun with her loved ones.

In her free time, Milila enjoyed knitting, sewing, and was an active member of the local senior center. She had a passion for fashion, music, and visiting her homeland, and her sweet smile and warm personality made everyone feel welcome.

Milila is survived by her three children, her son-in-law, Paul Lamas, granddaughters Savannah Likitsakos, Gabriella Lamas, Samantha Lugo, grandson-in-law, Ari Likitsakos, grandsons Manuel C. Cordero and Jayden A. Lugo, her nieces and nephews and a large circle of extended family and friends.

Her love, laughter, and spirit will be greatly missed, but her legacy of kindness and devotion to family will live on forever. May she rest in peace and enjoy dancing with her sister again.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.walterbcooke.net for the Cordero family.