Obituary of Haydee Maria Valera

Haydee Maria Valera, was born on May 15, 1931,in Madruga, Cuba. She was the second-born child to Hortensia de Aguila and was raised by her and her father, Juan Ibaceta. She grew up in Madruga with her parents and older brother Raul Ibaceta, surrounded by many friends and relatives who later would immigrate to the US, many who remained close to her as part of the Cuban exile community. Haydee married Roberto Jose Valera in 1958 and had one son, Marco Antonio Valera. During the Cuban revolution, her husband fought against the Castro regime and was jailed for his role. Haydee arrived in New York City in 1966 at the age of 35 along with her parents and son. Roberto Valera would subsequently pass away in Cuba in 1973. Haydee passed away unexpectedly at home at the age of 87 on October 31, 2018. Haydee was a woman of deep faith who cared greatly about others. In Cuba she owned and operated her own small business making clothing. Haydee worked several jobs in New York City, until landing a job as a secretary for the Swiss Bank Corporation, in #4 World Trade Center. She loved her job so much that HR had to ask her to take her vacation time off. She eventually retired from the Swiss Bank after more than 20 years of employment. A deeply spiritual, fun and joyous woman Haydee was first to get up and dance and join in singing at all kinds of occasions. In her final years, she lived independently in Washington Heights and was a faithful parishioner at Good Shepherd Church. Haydee Maria Valera entered into rest on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. She is survived by her beloved son, Marco A. Valera, daughter-in-law Kathleen and her only grandchild, Devon K. Valera. Mrs. Valera is also survived by her loving brother, Raul Ibaceta and his wife Dr. Herminia Ibaceta and niece Milagros Rodrigues, her husband Dr. Osvaldo Rodrigues, her children Rebecca, Christina and Benjamin. In addition, she is survived by an extended family. The family requests that donations, in lieu of flowers, be sent to: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of NY Online at catholiccharitiesny.org Or by mail: Catholic Charities Office of Development, 11th floor 1011 First Avenue, NY, NY 10022 To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Haydee Maria Valera, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.