Milagros Melendez

It is with profound sadness and yet deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Milagros Melendez, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Milagros passed away on June 17, 2026, at the age of 73, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 1, 1952, in the vibrant heart of Puerto Rico, Milagros was the cherished daughter of Altagracia Adorno and Asunción Otero. She was the light of their lives, and her warmth and kindness were evident from an early age. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Victor Melendez; father, Andres Adorno; and a host of cherished family including her grandmother Jovita, aunt Juanita, uncle Mario Adorno, aunt Paquita, uncle and aunt Aristires and Aida Adorno, and uncle German Martinez. Milagros is survived by her loving daughter, Belinda Santiago, who was the apple of her eye. Her legacy of love carries on through her grandchildren, Cyrae Love (Thomas Carter-Love) and Evan Camacho (Niyelis Coplin), and her treasured great-grandchildren, Meliya Love, Amais Love, and Karina Camacho. She leaves behind a loving extended family including a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who will continue to honor her memory. In her personal life, Milagros experienced the joys of motherhood with Belinda, born from a brief union with Vincent Santiago. She later found enduring love with Victor Melendez, with whom she shared 19 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a life defined by faith, family, and community service. Milagros was a dedicated professional, having served as a Tax Auditor for the Internal Revenue Service for 25 years before retiring in 2006. Her diligence and commitment to her work were matched only by her passion for her community and her faith. An active member of Salem Church and later Love Gospel Assembly, she was a youth teacher, choir member, and musician, known for her baritone playing. Milagros was also deeply involved in women’s ministries and missionary work. In Middletown, NY, she and Victor pastored their own congregation at Love Gospel Church, where she served as a Christian marriage counselor and a Chaplain at Garnet Health Medical Center. Beyond her professional and community endeavors, Milagros enjoyed life's simple pleasures. She relished time spent with her family, especially her great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy. She had a profound love for the beach and gardening, where she found solace and beauty. Her adventurous spirit led her to many amusement parks and outdoor activities, from roller skating to white water rafting, always embracing life with enthusiasm. Milagros will be remembered as a generous, loving, and humble soul—a protector and defender to her siblings, a caretaker and queen to her daughter, and a constant presence for her family and friends. Her life was a testament to the power of showing up and having everyone’s best interests at heart. A service to celebrate Milagros’s life will be held on June 26, 2026, at Transformation Church, located on Blumel Rd. in Middletown, NY. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Garnet Health Medical Center, who ensured her last days were filled with comfort and dignity. In honoring Milagros, let us remember her for the love she shared, the faith she lived by, and the joy she brought into the lives of those who had the privilege to know her. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.