Pura Valentin

Pura Rosa Valentin was born in Lares, Puerto Rico on September 27, 1930 to, Dominga Gonzalez and Ramon Rosa Mercado. Both parents preceded her in death. In 2006, Pura was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and in May of 2012 she was transitioned to Kings Harbor MultiCare Center, Bronx NY after living many years in the Kips Bay area of Manhattan. Pura passed away quietly in her sleep after dinner on the evening of Friday, March 28, 2014.

As a child growing up in Puerto Rico in the 1930’s she was a beautiful, quiet, easy to raise child who was determined to succeed. Pura was very young when her mother passed. As a result she had to live with relatives while her father worked labor intensive jobs in the fields to support his family. She adored her father, and was a devoted daughter.

While living in Santurce Puerto Rico, she met and married a widower, Jesus Valentin. Bravely, she left her beloved Puerto Rico, moved to New York City with her husband and other members of the Valentin family. They first settled in “El Barrio” on 117th Street and Madison Ave and they eventually moved to the Lower East Side. Their union produced two children, George (Jorge) & Teresa.

During her life, Pura Valentin was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and sister. She was a hard working, faithful employee, retiring in 1995 after working 30 years with the same company. She had a love of life and people, was kind, and a wonderful sense of humor. She had a beautiful smile, made friends easily and was always ready to offer support. She loved children and cooking. Her favorite food, that she would offer her guests were café & “pastelillos” or “alcapurrias”; traditional Puerto Rican snack. Her good friend Gordon Marino as well as others can provide you with an excellent food review of her alcapurrias.

She loved to travel, especially to her “Isla de Encanto” Puerto Rico, where she often visited her brothers, sisters and family. Her final trip there was February 2013.

Pura Valentin is survived by her loving and devoted daughter in law and son, Walea & George Valentin. Her daughter Teresa Valentin. Her step “children”, Mario, Lydia, and Josefina Valentin, and Yolanda Molina. Her grandchildren, Fernando, Alex and Francis, and great grandchildren. She is also survived by 10 brothers and sisters and their family: Amelia, Delia, Virginia, Santa, Milta, Lee, Rueben, Jorge, Juan and Emilio (El Negro) Rosa.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS - FAMILY WILL ACCEPT A PLANT OR A DONATION TO THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION