Gladys E. Miranda

Gladys E. Miranda of Roxbury, MA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, with children and grandchildren at her side. 

Born in Manati, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Rafael Miranda and Guillermina Torres. Gladys was the beloved wife of the late Benito Soler Marquez. She was the devoted mother of Blanca Sierra, Evelyn Sierra, Jaime Sierra, Federico Sierra, Rafael Sierra, Santiago Sierra, and the late Gladys Sierra and Ana Laura Sierra. Gladys was also a mother to Jose F. Doval, Madeline Grullon, Laura Grullon and Omar Aponte, as she raised them as her own . Gladys is survived by grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren, a legacy she was extremely proud of.

Gladys raised her children and four grandchildren in the family home in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Working as a cook, often at local beach restaurants, she would take her children to spend their summers at the beach while she worked.  She was passionate about her flowers, in particular, her orchids. She maintained an immense garden filled with plants, fruits, vegetables and herbs. Her vegetable garden not only fed her children, but the entire neighborhood at times. Gladys raised many animals, not only to feed the family, but also because she felt a deep connection to nature and its wildlife. Making family meals came easy to Gladys, as most of the ingredients were fetched from the garden she tended with so much love with her husband and family. When family came to visit, she would often tell stories of her childhood, creating moments of nostalgia everyone loved and appreciated.

When Gladys retired and moved to Boston, she often hosted family gatherings at her apartment. She became well-known to neighbors for her friendly demeanor and her creatively hand-crafted “casitas”. These special projects were colorful and artistic representations of homes and scenery she made from cardboard and recycled materials. Her projects were designed to resemble the rural home and culture of her childhood and beloved island of Puerto Rico.

Gladys was greatly loved and will always be remembered by many for her amazing heart and the kindness, love and respect she touched others with throughout her time spent with us. She was an honorable woman and her soul will forever be in the hearts of everyone that knew her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the memorial service on Tuesday September 15, 2020 at 10 AM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock Street in Quincy.

Family and friends may offer their support by sharing a special memory or message by clicking the send condolences link above.