In Loving Memory of
Margarita Ofelia Barada
June 10, 1924 – January 23, 2025
With heavy hearts and deep appreciation for a life filled with love and strength, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Margarita Ofelia Barada, affectionately known as Bebita, on January 23, 2025, at the age of 100.
Born on June 10, 1924, in Santiago de Cuba, Margarita’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and unwavering devotion to her family. As the heart of our home, she brought us together with her kindness, wisdom, and steadfast faith. Her warmth and nurturing spirit extended far beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Margarita dedicated over 30 years of her life as a nurse practitioner at Harlem Hospital, providing compassionate care to countless patients and leaving an indelible mark on her community. Her dedication to healing and serving others was a reflection of her kind and selfless nature.
She was the wife of the late Evelio Barada, and with commitment she raised their twin children, Gloria C Barada and Francisco E Barada. Their twins brought great joy to her life and are testament to her unwavering devotion as a mother.
Margarita was the eldest of her siblings and, remarkably, the last surviving among them—an extraordinary feat that stands as a testament to her strength and endurance. She is preceded in death and lovingly remembered by:
• Josefina Hodge Farquharson, known to us as Chacha
• Rosa Hodge Farquharson, lovingly called Mimi
• Alfonso Roberto Hodge Farquharson, our dear Willy
• Tomás Arnaldo Hodge Farquharson, known as Tony
• María Lidia Hodge Farquharson, affectionately called Malidia, a name given by our beloved Chacha
• Alejandro Winston Hodge Farquharson, a cherished sibling known as Papi
• José Hodge Farquharson, lovingly remembered
Margarita was also a proud and loving grandmother to six grandchildren, an adoring great-grandmother to fourteen great-grandchildren, and was blessed with one great-great-grandchild, a milestone that brought immense joy to her heart.
Throughout her life, Margarita was deeply involved in various religious organizations, dedicating her time and efforts to volunteer work at Metropolitan Hospital. She was an active member of the Legion of Mary at Saint Ann’s Church, under the title Nuestra Señora De La Providencia, as well as the Christian Mothers. Margarita had a profound passion for teaching religious instruction to the youth at St. Ann's and remained steadfast in her commitment to her faith. Her unwavering dedication to these causes was a true reflection of her devotion to both God and her community. She was surrounded by a loving family spread across the five boroughs of New York City, who cherished her wisdom, warmth, and guidance.
Margarita will be remembered for her steadfast dedication to her family, her strong faith, and her selfless service to others. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, the smell of Cuban coffee, the comforting embrace of family gatherings, and the sound of prayer. Whether it was sharing a meal, telling stories, or simply enjoying each other’s company, her presence made every moment special and unforgettable.
She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to guide us. While our hearts are heavy with her passing, we find comfort in the many beautiful memories she gifted us.
“Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.”
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