Mirta Montiel

On May 29, 2024, Mirta Montiel, known to all her friends and family as “Cusa,” aged 95, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her children, in Pleasantville, New York. Born on June 8, 1928, in Guayos, Cuba, she was the daughter of Roque Martínez and Juana Ramos. Mirta is survived by son José R. Montiel, Jr., daughter Zulema Montiel, grandchildren Olivia Montiel, José Montiel III, Christian Montiel and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, José “Pepe” Montiel, and her brothers and sisters, Enrique Martínez, Daisy Poza, Segundo Martínez, Migdalia López, twins Romelia and Raquel Martínez and Bertha Martínez. Together with her husband, Pepe, Cusa was the owner of a garment factory in Tarrytown, New York, where they had settled. Her skills and ingenuity as a seamstress and clothing designer were of great value and contributed to the success of their business. Mirta and her husband arrived in the United States from Cuba in 1960. Forced to leave behind their two very young children while they settled here, they were able to bring them out of Cuba a year later. Mirta’s passion for producing garment designs poured out into the single-handed task of attiring her family, husband, kids and granddaughter, who showcased her unique and fashionable creations. She engaged with her husband in the administration of their business, all the while nurturing her family as a homemaker and being a pillar of strength to those around her. In the realm of the culinary arts, Mirta excelled. Her celebrated cuisine brought together family and friends. She prevailed over family gatherings during feast days, delighting everyone with her healthy and delicious Cuban-based creations. She loved to compose big jigsaw puzzles of beautiful country scenes. And like a good Cuban, she never lost her flair for the game of dominoes. Mirta relished celebrations. Her own wedding anniversaries as well as birthdays and the graduations of her progeny, were sources of great joy for her. Those were times to design special outfits and decorate with flowers! Mirta’s wicked sense of humor was legendary. Her joyous spirit radiated through her lovingly teasing people and things. She would typically enjoy adapting English words into Spanish for her own comical purposes. This never failed to delight everyone. Mirta was a devout Catholic, praying her rosary devotions daily. Her unwaivering faith followed her throughout life, inspiring others along the same path. Her abiding prayers were a source of consolation and strength for those who turned to her for spiritual support. Her love of learning drove her to be an avid reader in all kinds of spheres: history, poetry and even the practice of holistic health. Mirta wrote beautiful and inspirational poems. Mirta “Cusa” Montiel will be greatly missed and remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, Godmother and loyal friend. We are sincerely grateful to the many friends who have given us support and comfort during this time of loss. Services for Mirta will be held in a funeral Mass at the Church of The Magdalene, 525 Bedford Road, Sleepy Hollow, New York 10591, on Monday, June 3rd, at 12 Noon. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Memorial Sloan-Kettering or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, organizations that were very important to Mirta

Mirta Montiel

June 8, 1928 - May 29, 2024