Nelida C Benitez

November 25, 1926 - July 29, 2020

Nelida Benitez, age 93, passed away peacefully on July 29th of 2020, in her nursing facility, the White Oak of Waxhaw, NC. Nelida is survived by both her children, Jorge Luis Escobar and Caridad Mercedes Clavelo, and their spouses, Maria Escobar and Carlos Clavelo. Her remaining siblings are Maria Rosa Benitez, Juan Benitez, and Silvia Vilorio. She was also a loving grandmother to Marianela Walker, Karla Clavelo, and Karen Escobar. She has touched the lives of countless others, and was surrounded by love until her final moments. Nelida was the third of eleven siblings, and was born on November the 25th of 1926 in Mata, Cuba. She was a loving and dedicated wife to Eladio Escobar for 49 years, and she worked tirelessly for her family. Nelida loved tending to her garden, crocheting, and cooking. She moved to America on November 30, 1999 at the age of 73, with her husband and acted as the glue to our family during the move. After Eladio’s passing on May the 14th of 2004, Nelida was able to return to Cuba with her son to relive those great memories. She lived in Lodi, NJ for many years, spending her hours people-watching, drawing, watching telenovelas, and enjoying the company of her family and friends. She attended birthdays, weddings, baptisms, communions, wine and cheese tastings, countless BBQs, and was always the life of the party. Nelida moved into the White Oak of Waxhaw, NC in January of 2018, where she became a favorite of all the nurses and staff, despite the language barrier. Her daughter in law, Maria, took care of her every need until the very last day, and made sure her stay there felt like home. During this time, her family continued to visit her frequently and cook her favorite meals, and sneak in her chocolates. She brought the family closer than we’ve ever been before, celebrating many Thanksgivings and birthdays together in NC. Nelida will be remembered as she lived, laughing and smiling, gossiping and telling stories. She never forgot a single event, from birthdays to exams, and always made sure to send her love. She will be greatly missed, and there is now a void that cannot be filled, but she will be loved forever by many.