Iraida Bustillo de Iturralde

Iraida Bustillo de Iturralde, surrounded by the love of her children, passed away from this world to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at the age of 101. She  was born on October 19, 1919, in Guantánamo, Cuba, the daughter of Emilio Bustillo and Cornelia Pérez.  She was married to Dr. Fernando Iturralde (also a native of Guantánamo) who predeceased her leaving her a widow at the young age of 34.  The couple had three children. In 1962 she decided to take her children away from the totalitarian government that had taken hold of her country, and came to the United States with the courage, resilience and determination that defined her.  Once in this country she took many menial jobs; first in Miami Beach, Florida and then relocated to Newark, New Jersey.  She revalidated her college degrees, moved her family to West New York, New Jersey and worked as a teacher in the New York School System until her retirement.

Iraida was always known for her enthusiasm, her lust for life. love for music, travel and the arts but first and foremost, her love for family, especially her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She adored them all.  

Iraida is survived by her devoted and heartbroken son Fernando Iturralde and daughters Virginia I. García, and Iraida I. Loizzo, her granddaughters Lourdess M. García, Virginia M. García, Clara DePre García, Alexandra Desai Loizzo and Irina Loizzo.  Great grandchildren Hudson and Harrison DePre.  Her sons and grandsons in law Daniel García, Robert Loizzo, Kenneth DePre, and Viraj Desai.

Besides her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her siblings, Emilio, Kenelmo, Cormac, Cornelita, Virginia, Hermías and Antonio Bustillo.  She is survived by her sister Edildrida Bustillo Mayor, and many, many cousins and nephews.

A viewing will take place at Higgins and Bonner Funeral Home located at 582 Springfield Avenue, Westfield, NJ from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. on Monday, February 1st, 2021.  The Funeral Mass will take place at St. Theresa's RC Church located at 541 Washington Avenue, Kenilworth, NJ at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021.  Please be advised that both the funeral home and the church will enforce the CDC's social-distancing guidelines and there will be a limited capacity.

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