Nirta Abstencio

She is survived by three daughters (Nirka Villaverde, Maritza Abstencio, and Odalys Auchenbach), six grandchildren (Euclides Pereira, Daniel Villaverde, Christine Clevenger, Christopher Nieto, Matthew Gagliano, and Kimberly Petersen), and six great-grandchildren (Alejandro Nieto, Xavier Nieto, Liana Clevenger, Maya Clevenger, Emily Villaverde, and Robert Petersen). She is preceded in death by husband (Euclides Abstencio), daughter (Lourdes Acosta), and grandson (Henry Acosta).

Nirta was born and raised in Cuba, where she married her husband, Euclides at the tender age of 19. Their life together was not always easy- they faced adversity in raising four daughters during the rise of communism in Cuba, but Nirta always found a way to care for her family. Nirta and the family (including grandson, “Euclidito”) emigrated to the United States in December of 1969 and settled in New Jersey until she eventually retired in Margate, Florida.

To know Nirta was to love her- she was strong, kind, loving, gentle, and intelligent. She enjoyed life through family, gardening, and reading (particularly love stories and historical fiction). One of her favorite authors, Isabel Allende, once wrote: “La muerte no existe, la gente sólo muere cuando la olvidan; si puedes recordarme, siempre estaré contigo.” (Death does not exist. People only die when they are forgotten. If you can remember me, I will be with you always.)

Rest in Peace, Nirta/Mami/Abuela/Bisabuela. You will be remembered in our hearts- life was sweeter with you in it.

The family would like to thank Nurse Iliana Placencia from VITAS for her empathy and level of care to ensure Nirta experienced comfort and peace in her last moments. In remembrance of Nirta’s life, the family will be gardening in her honor. They ask that any charitable donations be made to BrightFocus Foundation, to support Alzheimer’s research.