Doris J. Figueroa

Born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, Doris was a self-motivated and determined little girl who grew into the vivacious, independent and most beautiful woman we ever had the pleasure to know.

She pursued her education at Lehman College, where she studied nursing, and went on to work as a registered nurse at Montefiore Medical Center for 8 years. Doris then dedicated 33 years of her life to working with adults with disabilities, ultimately becoming Vice President at Services for the UnderServed. To those who worked with her, she was more than a leader, she was firm and generous, “the type of person who moved mountains.” She led by example, side-by-side with her team, and was a mentor whose wisdom and guidance changed lives. Doris leaves a lasting legacy in the field of developmental disabilities, remembered for her compassion, leadership and the countless lives she touched.

Outside of her career, Doris’s passions reflected her love of family and zest for life. She was known for her cooking, her love of dancing and her joy in hosting a good party. Some of her happiest times were spent traveling with her family, whether on trips to Aruba or on cruise vacations with her beloved husband, Eddie. Above all, she was deeply passionate about ensuring that people of all abilities were treated with dignity and respect, a mission she carried throughout her life.

Doris will be remembered as sincere, radiant, intelligent and selfless. She was a cheerleader for others, always supportive and nurturing, with the patience to listen and the gift of making everyone around her feel heard, equal and loved. She had a way of reminding her family to check in, to get home safe and to care for one another in the smallest but most meaningful ways. Her love extended to her dogs: Neko, who now greets her on the other side and Mia, who brought her comfort during her toughest times.

The lessons Doris instilled in her children and grandchildren are a lasting part of her legacy: to always take care of each other, but also to stand up for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Doris is survived by her loving husband, Eddie Figueroa; her son, Jason Figueroa, and his wife, Dilja; her daughter, Natalie Irizarry, and her husband, Fernando; her mother, Luz Castello; her sisters, Judy Castello and Suzanne Padilla; her brother, Cesar Castello, Jr.; and her cherished grandchildren, Ariana Irizarry, Aiden Irizarry, and Jacqueline Figueroa. She is also remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephew and friends who were blessed to have known her.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at the David T. Ferguson Funeral home, 20 North Street, Washingtonville NY 10992 from 4 to 8 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Thursday, August 21st at St. Mary's Church located at 42 Goshen Avenue, Washingtonville NY 10992.

We are endlessly grateful for the gift of her life, her love and her light. Doris, we know you always say you “love us more,” but, “that’s not possible.”