Isabel Quinones

Isabel was born on November 5, 1929, in the small coastal town of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. From the very beginning, she carried a spirit of strength and responsibility. As the third child—following two older brothers—and the eldest of five girls, she quickly became a guiding presence within her family. By the age of six, she was already cooking atop a tin can stove, caring for her younger sisters with a maturity far beyond her years.

Although she loved school and had a deep desire to learn, her education was cut short. Her family needed her on the farm, and so she traded books for chores, responsibility, and the quiet resilience that would define her life.

At the age of 22, Isabel courageously left Puerto Rico and arrived in New York City to begin a new chapter—one filled with possibility. It was there, one morning on the train, that she met the love of her life, Virgilio Perez. Their romance blossomed quickly and beautifully, the kind of courtship she would speak of with tenderness for decades. They married in 1954, built a life together, raised two children, and shared an extraordinary 60 years of love and partnership.

Isabel worked for many years as a seamstress—hands that once cooked over tin now stitched with precision, care, and artistry. In her later years, she and Virgilio devoted themselves to service through the Salvation Army, offering their time and compassion to others, as they had always done in their own quiet way.

When Virgilio passed on May 8, 2014, Isabel’s heart ached, yet her unwavering faith carried her forward. She often spoke lovingly of the day they would be reunited. Her greatest relationship, she always said, was the one she had with the Lord. She lived her life as a faithful servant, guided by prayer, devotion, and trust in God’s promises.

Isabel leaves behind her son Virgilio Perez Jr. and his wife, Nancy, and her daughter, Maria Tilves. She was blessed to find immense joy in her grandchildren:

Jaime Rodriguez (Andrea),

Chris Perez (Harmony),

Kassandra Vivar (Antonio),

and Jillian Viera (Richie).

Her long life allowed her the rare gift of witnessing a new generation grow. She cherished her great-grandchildren:

Riley and Maya Perez,

Mercy Bella, Nova Skye, Sinatra, and Phoenix Reign Vivar,

Victor and Leo Rodriguez,

and Reina and Jayce Viera.

In August, Isabel entered McAuley Hall Health Care Center, where she felt an immediate sense of peace and belonging. Surrounded by the Sisters of Mercy, she embraced the community with gratitude. She participated joyfully in their activities and flourished under their warm and attentive care.

Isabel will be remembered forever for her kind and generous heart, her steady words of wisdom, and the radiant smile that could brighten any room. She lived a long life rooted in love—love for her family, love for her husband, and above all, love for her Lord.

May her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace, reunited at last with Virgilio, and wrapped in the everlasting embrace of God’s grace.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Monday, December 1, 2025 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Funeral services will begin at 9:00AM on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at St. Raymond Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Ave, Bronx, NY

In lieu of flowers and tree contributions, memorial donations can be made to Wounded Warriors Project Click Here