Lillian Matos

Lillian Ortega was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico on January 29, 1947 to parents Alfonso Ortega and Modesta Ortega.  She moved to Manhattan, New York at age 6 and attended and graduated from Commander JJ Shea Grammar School, Cathedral High School, and Hunter College with a Psychology/Sociology major. She was a devout Catholic and was very involved in St. Cecilia Catholic Church.  She worked in the Rectory and was an integral part of the Head Start Program.

While attending college she received an unexpected Christmas card from a young “ugly” Marine.  After a few exchanged letters they met in April of 1966, more letters and cards were exchanged and a beautiful relationship was born.  In September 1969 they were engaged and on January 24, 1970, she married Virgilio “Bill” Matos, the “Marine” of her life.  They just celebrated their 53^rd anniversary. “My Marine became a beautiful and handsome man” she declared.  Their union produced three wonderful and beautiful children: Virgil Allan, Aprille Michelle, and Matthew Anders.

In 1972 they moved to Medford, Long Island where they spent 25 glorious years.

After graduating from college, she was employed by Metropolitan Life as a Manpower Developer.  Upon moving to Long Island, she took a job with the New York State Department of Labor and was a Claims Examiner for unemployment practices.  After 23 years of service, she retired for medical reasons following cancer surgeries.

In April 1995, the family moved to the Citrus Hills, Florida area.  She loved the theater and became involved by ushering and performing in a few plays at the Playhouse 19 theater and at the Arts Center.

She served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Scholastica and was an active member of the Council of Catholic Women.

Her biggest joy in life was spending time with the family cooking and barbecuing.  You could see the radiant look in her eyes whenever she saw her kids, there was no doubt of her love and admiration for them.

Lillian was the most passionate and complete companion a husband could have asked for, they loved to travel and took many cruises, seeing many, many places.

Virgil Allan married his sweetheart Jennifer and they have four children, Virgil Thomas, Antonia Grace, Dante Victor, and Allana Jean. (Grandkids)

Aprille Michelle married Michael Maynard, Aprille has two sons, Anthony Michael and Nicolas Adam (grandkids) and added great grandchildren Kason, Carter, Kynleigh, Cayden and, most recently, Nikita.

Matthew Anders married his college sweetheart Jessica and they have her grand dog, Lily.

Grandson Anthony Michael married his sweetheart Amber and have one child, Holland Shea (great grandchild).

On Sunday, February 26, 2023, a Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM and from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, at Heinz Funeral Home in Inverness. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 AM, on Monday, February 27, 2023, at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Lecanto.  Graveside Services will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Services entrusted to the care of Heinz Funeral Home, Inverness, Florida. www.heinzfh.com