Hortensia Maria Salas, formerly of Highland Beach, Florida, Ohio and Missouri, passed away peacefully in her home in Palm Beach county on March 23rd, 2021. She was 101 years old. Born in Havana, Cuba, Hortensia came to the United States in 1960 with her husband and four children, fleeing the communist revolution on tourist visas, never thinking she would be here to stay. Hortensia embraced her new country, mastered the English language, and became a pillar of strength for her husband and four children. She was a kindergarten teacher and one of the few women of her era to receive a college degree. She supported higher education, demanded excellence in academics, and always encouraged her children to do their best. A devout Catholic, Hortensia gave back to those who helped her in her early years. After her husband's death, she volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister and delivered communion to those too ill to attend mass. She mentored students in need, collected clothing for those without, and volunteered at her local food pantry and parish office, stuffing envelopes, attending fundraisers, and assisting wherever she was needed. She was a great philanthropist and at one time was a donor to over 50 charities. She was an avid supporter of the fine arts and a season ticket holder of her local symphony orchestra. She will be remembered for her extraordinary kindness and generosity, and her willingness to help those less fortunate than her. She was preceded in death by her parents José Recio Betancourt and Hortensia Delgado Loustalot, her brother Pepé Recio Betancourt, her beloved husband Dr. René Albert Salas, and her firstborn son René Albert Salas Jr., who served in the 82nd airborne division in Vietnam. She is survived by her devoted son Dr. Alfred G. Salas with whom she lived her last years, her son Henry Salas, her daughter Dr. Marty Salas of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Highland Beach, Florida, and her grandchildren Carmen DiFelice, Alex Salas, Luke Salas (Jackie), Jacob Salas, Scott Salas, Tanya Koul Strausbaugh (Steven), Kevin Koul, and Ryan Koul and her great grandson, Leo DiFelice. Mass of Christian burial will be held at her parish, St. Therese de Lisieux in Wellington, Florida on Monday, March 29th at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach, with a brief graveside service at 1:00 p.m. The Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund of St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church, 11800 Lake Worth Rd, Wellington, Florida 33449.
