Librada Padilla Camacho was born in San German, Puerto Rico on January 20, 1928. She was one of six children – five sisters and one brother. She was orphaned at a young age and raised by her sisters. Librada had great educational ambitions and graduated in 1950 from the University of Puerto Rico’s Faculty of Education, a rare achievement for a young woman at that time.

She joined her sister on the journey to the U.S. in 1955. At her first job in a small watch and jewelry shop in Manhattan, she was introduced to Juan Ortiz. Six months later, they married and remained a loving and affectionate couple for 64 years. Then the kids started coming: Lourdes, Vanessa, Odalis, Ileana, and Juan David. Her marriage, her children, her home, and the ideal of a healthy, united family was her highest priority.

Librada worked as a bilingual social worker serving low-income as well as immigrant families throughout New York City at Catholic Charities of NY and the Puerto Rican Family Institute. She eventually returned to teaching at St. Anselm’s School in the South Bronx where she spent 17 years educating 5th, 7th, and 8th graders.

Librada’s greatest joy was becoming a grandmother. She was “Mama” to six amazing people: Anneliese, Daniel, Natalie, Gina-Lou, Jonathan, and Nicholas. She was also great grandmother to two beautiful and smart girls, Ava and Vivienne. Librada was transformed when she became a grandmother. She relished every minute around them, creating unique tunes that she’d sing when they sat on her lap or danced around.

Librada Ortiz was firm about what she believed were the important things in life; that education is a high priority; that your labor - no matter what career field - is a serious responsibility that should also bring you joy; and that being an active Christian and serving others is a life-long duty.

Librada passed peacefully surrounded by her husband and children, the music she loved, and prayer.