Lillian R. Vega

Born on August 25, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, Lillian was the daughter of Eloy Rodriguez and Rosa Quintana Rodriguez. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York.

Throughout her life, Lily was a source of unwavering love, strength, and guidance to her family and friends. She married Henry Vega on October 15, 1958, and together they built a life filled with cherished memories. Together, they raised their daughter, Antonia Teresa (Toni), who will forever be grateful for their love and support.

In addition to her daughter, Lillian is survived by two grandchildren, Charles Leighton and Nicholas Henry, as well as other relatives and friends who were touched by her warmth and kindness.

When she lived in Brooklyn, Lillian loved to picnic at Prospect Park, where she enjoyed the Japanese Garden and the zoo. Lily spent summers at Coney Island Beach, swimming and enjoying the amusements and rides. Lily and her mother, Rosa, would travel together to Puerto Rico and Miami. Lily also loved horseback riding, archery, and camping. One of her favorite places was Villa Garcia in Plattekill, NY, where she enjoyed dancing and dining. During World War II, Lillian wrote many letters and sent packages to her cousins and uncles overseas who served in every branch of the military.

Lillian and Henry owned a luncheonette and novelty shop in Brooklyn. When they decided to move out of the city, they sold the luncheonette and bought a house in Bay Shore, NY, on Long Island. She loved to garden and had lovely flowerbeds in front of her home and a fruit and vegetable garden in the back yard. She spent summers swimming in the pool, gardening, and spending time with her family, friends, and neighbors. Lillian was also avid in ceramics and painted many beautiful pieces. The finest of all is a nativity scene that her daughter now proudly displays year-round in her home.

Lillian and Henry moved from New York to Central Florida in 1981, settling in Sanford, FL. There she continued to endear herself to her neighbors and made many friends. She was also a proficient seamstress and often took in sewing from friends and neighbors who needed help adjusting or creating outfits. Lillian also loved going to the beach, fishing, and crabbing. She loved taking her grandson, Charles, and his grandfather with her, and they spent many days at New Smyrna Beach enjoying the sea breezes while catching dinner. Lillian also loved to cook, making many delicious Puerto Rican dishes for her family. Her home always smelled of something delicious, and she passed on her love of cooking to her daughter.

Words alone cannot convey the depth of love that Lillian’s family has for her. Nor can words adequately describe the compassionate person that she was. She will be sorely missed.

A funeral service to honor and celebrate Lillian Vega’s life will be held at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn, located at 5000 County Rd 46 A, Sanford, FL, 32771, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to attend to pay their respects and support her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lillian Vega’s memory to Compassion International:

https://www.compassion.com/lillianvegamemorial

Compassion International are child advocates, dedicated to releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name. Through sponsorships and donations, we empower local churches to love, care for, and protect children in poverty so they're free to learn, grow, play, and dream.