Felicita Himmel

Felicita Himmel, lovingly known to her family as their “Matriarch with a spark ,” lived a remarkable 91 years filled with love, laughter, creativity, family, tradition, and stories that will be remembered for generations to come.

Felicita was born on January 24, 1935 in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, to Juan Rivera and Barbara Negron. Her Puerto Rican roots remained an important and cherished part of who she was throughout her life. She carried her heritage with her wherever she went - in the traditions she honored, the stories she told, and especially in the food she lovingly prepared for her family.

Eventually, Felicita made her way to New York. While working in a clothing factory, she met Aaron, the man who would become her husband and lifelong partner. Together, they built a life that took them from New York to Southern California and eventually to Spring Hill, Florida. For almost 70 years, they shared a marriage filled with family, memories, challenges, laughter, and love. They raised their large family and were blessed to watch it grow across four generations.

Felicita was a woman who left an impression wherever she went. Funny, feisty, spirited, and full of personality, she truly was a force of nature. She had a sharp wit with a huge heart. She had a gift for making friends and never seemed to meet a stranger. She genuinely enjoyed talking with people and sharing the stories of her life. A simple conversation with someone she had just met could quickly become a journey through the people, places, and experiences that had shaped her. She was proud of her life, young at heart and had plenty of stories to tell - and she made sure to tell them herself.

Creativity was another beautiful part of Felicita's life. She was born in ‘Aibonito’, a city referred to as ‘La Ciudad de las Flores’ or ‘The City of Flowers’. Whether it was gardening or floral arranging, she loved flowers. Felicita had a colorful soul and loved working on all sorts of creative projects throughout her life. She developed a passion for oil painting and enjoyed participating in her artistic community during her retirement in Springhill.

Felicita found joy in creating something with her own hands and sharing that joy with others. She always expressed her love through cooking. Her Puerto Rican food was especially treasured by her family, and some of their most cherished memories were made gathered around a table enjoying something she had prepared. Through her cooking, Felicita passed down more than recipes. She passed down a connection to Puerto Rico, to family, and to the traditions and music that had been part of her life since childhood.

Felicita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Aaron, who passed away just two months before her. After spending almost 70 years together, their time apart was mercifully brief. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Irma Himmel, and her grandsons, David Himmel, Tony Serrano, and Mikey Serrano.

She leaves behind a family that is a testament to the life she and Aaron built together: her six children, Mildred Reina, Fred Serrano, Rose Moran, Jose Himmel, Paulette Blumberg, and Henry Himmel; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Through them, the family she and Aaron spent a lifetime nurturing will continue to grow, and so will the stories, traditions, and memories they created together.

Her 91 years were full of life. They were filled with family, creativity, laughter, Puerto Rican traditions, unforgettable conversations, and countless stories, many of which Felicita made sure no one would ever forget.

Her family will miss her unmistakable personality, her voice, her laughter, her cooking, and the one-of-a-kind presence that was uniquely Felicita. They will miss the stories, the songs, the recipes, and all the little moments that made time with her so memorable.

Felicita's life was long, colorful, spirited, and deeply loved. She lived it in her own unmistakable way, and she made sure everyone around her knew exactly who she was.

Her family will carry her memory and love with them always, grateful for the years they were blessed to have their little Mamacita in their lives.

A Funeral Service will be held at Turner Funeral Homes, Crematory and Cemetery, 14360 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34609, on September 29, 2026, from 1pm to 2:00pm.

A Committal will take place at Florida Hills Memorial Gardens, 14354 SPRING HILL DR, SPRING HILL, FL 34609, US, on September 29, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

A Reception will follow at Turner Funeral Homes, Crematory and Cemetery, 14360 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, FL 34609, US, on September 29, 2026 at 2:30pm