Maria Magdalena Tavarez, eldest daughter of Javier Espaillat & Mamina Cruz Betances, was born on Sunday, September 25, 1921 in Santiago, Dominican Republic . She passed away on Monday, September 21, 2015 at her residence in Tamarac, Floirda.

Maria was a devoted Catholic who loved family, cooking and entertaining friends. She married Benito Tavarez at the age of 22 and was a faithful and loving homemaker for 69 years until the passing of her beloved husband in 2012. She was very much loved by all who knew her.

Preceded in death by her husband Benito A. Tavarez. Together they had 5 children: Belkis, Carlos Ariel, Robert, Freddy and Ligia. At the time of her passing Maria was the proud grandmother to 14 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed!