Lucille Barrera

Lucille was born in Chicago, Illinois on January 4, 1927 to Helen Roth and Jorge Navas. The family moved to Colombia when Lucille and her brothers George (deceased) and Carlos (deceased) were at a young age. Her charm and good looks caught the eye of a young Colombian soldier, Luis Barrera Mutis, and they married young. For over 60 years Lucille was married to and cared for Luis who rose to the ranks of Colonel in the Colombian army and was a decorated Korean War veteran. Out of their love four children: Vicky, Mercedes, Luis and Martha. Lucille took changes in stride with the family moving to various places including Panama, Miami, and Bogota. Lucille was the matriarch of this big clan which continued to grow with the addition of spouses, and grandchildren. Knowing that a better life awaited them in the U.S., Lucille encouraged her children and their families to move to the U.S.. Here her grandchildren were raised and were a source of pride for "Abuelita Lucila!". The family prospered throughout the U.S. , and Lucille never missed all the special events. Her sacrifices, and dedication to her family gave fruit in the many accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her clan, as well as the love for those in it, expanded beyond her immediate family to include nieces, nephews, friends and "ahijados". Many over the years growing to know her as Doña Lucila or "Madrina". Lucille was most characterized by her generosity to family and strangers alike. She always oversaw the wellbeing of this large family, and her acts of service showed her love to everyone's unique needs. She loved each one of us unconditionally. Her candor, witty sense of humor, and laughter will be among the things we miss the most. Her strength in character to overcome obstacles, to hold a family together through many challenges, and to fight for what she believed in were evident into her last days. The moment that Lucille was called upon by Our Heavenly Father she left peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, as she had most desired. While we turn to our faith, and to each other to get us through this most difficult loss, we hope that she has been reunited with her Lucho, her mother, and her beloved brother George. She is survived by her children: Vicky Barrera, Mercedes Zapata (Jaime), Luis Barrera, (Lyda), and Martha Ramirez (Guillermo), as well as her grandchildren: Ivan Zapata (Nikky), Luis Zapata (Chrissy), Lina Barrera (Matthew King), Clara Wright (Dawson), Nathaly Ibarra, Martha Zapata, Catalina Ramirez (DJ Dore), Juanita Ramirez, Christina Barrera, and her great-grandchildren: Liliana Zapata, Liam Zapata, Jaxsen Zapata, Gabriel Zapata, Dawson Wright V. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, in Palm Beach Gardens, on Tuesday October 15, at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, and to continue Lucille's charitable work, the family asks for donations on behalf of Lucille to Metropolitan Ministries (metromin.org) and Special Olympics (specialolympics.org)