Margarita Arroyo

Margarita Arroyo Velez Mendez, 81, of Polk City, Florida, formerly of Lancaster PA, passed peacefully in the company of her children and her husband on January 05, 2021 at her home. She was born May 31, 1939 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Margarita was the daughter of the late Rufino Velez and Josefa Ruiz. She was the devoted and caring wife of Juan Arroyo Mendez. They spent 65 years together.

Juan migrated to Lancaster, PA in 1952 and the family followed. She was a homemaker her entire life giving her unconditional love and quality time to the Lord, her husband and her children. When living in Lancaster, the entire family attended St Mary’s church faithfully. She was a member of a charismatic group that led to the foundation of San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Lancaster. In 1979, the family decided to move to Central Florida.

She enjoyed cooking and ensured her family was provided for. Her family meant the world to her and she cherished spending time with them. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be missed greatly. A loyal and faithful servant to her Lord, Margarita had a small Catholic Chapel built next to her house in which the local priest would conduct mass.

She is survived by 7 daughters, one son 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandkids: Wanda, Eunice wife of Frank Kirchgessner, Maritza, Sandra, Raquel wife of William Saunders, Juan Jr husband of Vicky, Brenda wife of Nelson Tirado, and Diana wife of Johnny Rivera. 

Margarita was preceded in death by her daughter, Gloria Arroyo.

Margarita faithfully fulfilled Jesus' command to help those in need even though she didn't know them... by first praying for them and then assisting with their physical needs. We will always remember Margarita with a soft smile, a cordial greeting and gracious kindness to everyone. She was an obedient serving of God, sharing God's Merciful and Gracious Love. The gates of heaven are open for you, accompanied with the angels and saints may you rest in peace. May God's peace be with you today.


Visitation will be held 6-8PM on Thursday, January 7, 2021 at the Lakeland Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 10AM in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lakeland. Interment to follow in the Lakeland Memorial Gardens.

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