Hildamelia Schechter

Born in Havana, Cuba to Hilda Amelia and Rafael Machado.

Hildamelia was a spirited, witty, and unforgettable woman whose honesty and humor could light up any room. Born and raised in Havana, she carried her Cuban heritage proudly throughout her life. She graduated from high school in Havana, became a teacher, and completed seven years of piano studies, developing a talent she cherished. In 1970, she bravely left Cuba during the revolution and began building a new life in the United States. She later earned her bachelor’s degree from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, and went on to work as a Social Worker for the State of Florida Health and Rehabilitative Services, where she met her husband. She dedicated herself fully to her home and family, devoted herself to her children and husband, and created a warm, loving household filled with laughter and strength. Even as she faced a long battle with COPD, her resilience, humor, and fierce love for her family never wavered. She was cared for tenderly by her husband until her passing.

Beloved Wife of Barry Allen Schechter; loving mother of Patricia Iwanicki and Scott Schechter; dear sister of Maida Markozani; and cherished aunt of Renata Markozani.

A visitation for Hildamelia will be held at Mack Memorial Home, located at 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ on Thursday, February 19, from 4 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 20, at 9:30 am at Immaculate Conception RC Church, 1219 Paterson Plank Rd, Secaucus, NJ. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ.