Milagros Melendez

Milagros Melendez, a cherished daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, niece, and friend passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in the comforting embrace of her beloved family, after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer. Born on November 1, 1952, in the vibrant town of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Milagros, affectionately known as Millie, lived a life marked by profound faith, unwavering love, and an unyielding commitment to her family and community. Millie was the cherished daughter of Altagracia Adorno and Andre Otero, who instilled in her the values of love, kindness, and resilience. She was predeceased by a loving husband, Victor Melendez, with whom she shared 19 beautiful years of marriage, filled with companionship and devotion until his passing. She is also preceded by her grandmother, Jovita Oquendo Medina, grandfather, Felipe (Pipe) Medina, grandfather, Asunción Adorno, father, Andre Otero Oquendo, uncle, Mario Adorno, aunt, Francisca (Paquita) Adorno Escano, uncle, Aristides (Aro) Adorno, aunt, Aida Adorno, uncle, German Martinez, and cousin, Mario Adorno. Her legacy lives on through her daughter, Belinda Santiago, who was the pride and joy of Millie’s life. She is also survived by her mother, Altagracia Cotto, sister, Luz Adorno, brother, Luis Otero, granddaughter, Cyrae Love, grandson, Evan Camacho, and her precious great-grandchildren, Meliya Love, Amais Love, and Karina Camacho. Millie was surrounded by a loving network of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who adored her deeply. Education was a cornerstone of Millie’s life; she was a lifelong learner and a devout scholar of faith. She earned her Bachelor of Biblical Studies in 1991 from Vision Christian University, followed by a series of certificates in Pastoral Care Awareness and Skills. She was a Licensed Minister by 2000 and was ordained in 2004. Her devotion to theology led her to obtain a Master’s in Theology and ultimately a Doctorate in Ministry by 2008, a testament to her dedication to her faith and her community. Millie retired in 2013 after over 25 years of dedicated service as a Tax Auditor for the Internal Revenue Service. Her professional life was marked by integrity and a commitment to excellence. Beyond her career, Millie was deeply involved in her faith community. She had affiliations with Salem Assembly of God and Love Gospel Assembly, where she shared her gifts as a Sunday School and youth teacher, member of the choir, and musician, playing both the baritone and the tambourine. Her passion for ministry led her and Victor to establish Love Gospel Church in Middletown, NY, where they served their congregation with love and humility. Milagros had an adventurous spirit and a zest for life. She delighted in spending time with her family, especially her young great-grandchildren. Her love for nature was evident in her passion for gardening and her joy in vacationing at the beach. In her younger years, Milagros embraced life with enthusiasm, from amusement parks to roller skating, white water rafting, and zip lining. Known for her generous heart and humble spirit, Milagros was a protector, a caretaker, and a beacon of love to all who knew her. She was always present, always giving, and always had the best interests of others at heart. Above all, Milagros was a devout Christian, serving the Lord faithfully until her passing. Milagros Melendez's life was a testament to faith, love, and selfless service. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her. Her family finds solace in knowing she rests in the arms of the Lord she served so faithfully.