Altagracia Dimeris Medina

Altagracia was born on May 28, 1939, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Miguel Julio Medina and Evangelina Rivera. She was the sister of Colombina and Gladys Mercedes, who both passed away in childhood, and her cherished younger brother Miguel.

Altagracia will be remembered as a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and matriarch whose life was defined by perseverance and an unwavering commitment to children and family.

From a very young age, Altagracia felt called to teach. At just fifteen years old, she began her career in education in the Dominican Republic, leaving home to serve underprivileged children in the remote town of Tábara Arriba, Azua, where she taught in a one-room schoolhouse. She later returned to Santo Domingo, where she continued her calling as the sole teacher at Escuela Hogar, shaping young lives through dedication and compassion.

In 1965, Altagracia bravely immigrated to the United States alone in pursuit of opportunity and a better future for her family. With tremendous sacrifice, she left her three oldest children behind while she worked tirelessly to achieve the American Dream. A decade later, in 1975, her children were finally reunited with her in the United States—a moment that marked the fulfillment of years of perseverance and love.

Settling in The Bronx, New York, Altagracia continued her commitment to education by pursuing higher learning. She earned her associate degree from Bronx Community College, followed by both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Bilingual Early Childhood Education from The City College of New York. She went on to teach at several inner-city preschools before beginning her long and impactful tenure with the New York City Department of Education. For over twenty years, she served as a kindergarten teacher at P.S. 153, where she nurtured generations of children with patience, warmth, and high expectations.

After retiring, Altagracia devoted herself fully to what she cherished most—her family. She took immense joy in her grandchildren, gatherings with loved ones, and time spent with friends. She also delighted in creative expression, with a deep love for songwriting, singing, and dancing, filling every room with music and life. 

Altagracia was the proud mother of Rosanna, Frank, Mayra and Maireni.  She was a loving grandmother to Alan, Amyn, the late Ariel, Brandon, Elizabeth, Ellis, Erika, Kiko, Francesca, Mahogany, Makayla, and Mariel and a cherished great-grandmother to Ethan, Jesiah, Nova, Dylan, Roman and Mia.

Her legacy is one of courage, sacrifice, education, and unconditional love. Through the countless lives she taught, guided, and inspired—both in the classroom and within her family—Altagracia Dimeris Medina left an enduring imprint that will continue for generations. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at Riverdale Funeral Home, 5044 Broadway, New York, NY 10034 from 4pm - 8pm.  Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Yonkers, NY on Friday, February 13th, where she will join her grandson Ariel.