Ana América Ureña, 88 years old, most lovingly known as “Mamasa” and “Mamá,” was received in Heaven on the afternoon of Thursday, February 23, 2017 in her apartment in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Ana was born in Agua de Luis, Montecristi in Dominican Republic on October 2, 1928 to the late Marcelina Ureña and Ramon Reyes Marcelo. She was the fifth child of fifteen children. She left her hometown around the age of 14 to find better work opportunities to help her family. She lived in Dominican Republic until she was 43 years old before immigrating to the United States. During her time in Dominican Republic she worked as a domestic helper for various diplomats. Later she worked from home to care for and support her children. One of her most memorable work experiences was roasting coffee in her backyard and baking goods to sell, which allowed her to ensure a proper education for her five daughters. Coffee became a symbol of our family.

Ana made an impact to almost all who crossed her path. Her home was a haven for anyone in need, both in Dominican Republic and in the United States. Ana’s life was spent thinking of others and serving others. She loved people in her home and would always have food on the stove ready for company. Mamá was everyone’s greatest cheerleader through her awareness of every special occasion and her attendance at nearly every milestone. She loved to travel and explore. Her favorite pastime were dominoes, bingo, playing cards, Parcheesi, scratch tickets and the casino when she could. Ana was always surrounded by her daughters, their spouses, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mamá leaves behind her five daughters: Enercida Ortiz and her husband, Miguel, of Lawrence, MA; Julia Isabel Perez-Silverio and her husband, Jose Dario, of Lawrence, MA; Carmen Perez Velasquez and her husband, Edgar, of Salem, NH; Milagros Perez-Ureña of Haverhill, MA; and J. Rita Perez-Ureña of Haverhill, MA. Her twelve grandchildren: Yarel Marshall and her husband, Carl, of Southbury, CT; Aliali Belkus and her husband, Jason, of Methuen, MA; Jazmin Paulino and her husband, Inti, of South Lawrence, MA; Evan Silverio and his wife, Cary, of Salem, NH; Felix Alex Nunez of Haverhill, MA; Jessica Filion of Haverhill, MA; Emmanuel Nuñez of Haverhill, MA; William “Billy” Filion and his wife, Diana, of Orlando, FL; Miguel Andres “Andy” Ortiz of Lawrence, MA; Eric Velasquez and his wife, Caitlin, of Hooksett, NH; Daniel “Danny” Velasquez and his wife, Sierra, of Salem, NH; and Samuel “Sammy” Velasquez of Salem, NH. Seventeen great-grandchildren: Carl, Lissandra, Thaiana, Audrianna, Loria, Jason, Shylen, Yannatir, Angelina, Ana, Victoria, Avalyn, Domanik, Nolan, Mateo, Jackson, Talia. She has five remaining siblings living in the Dominican Republic. She also leaves countless cousins, nieces, nephews, stepchildren, and extended family near and far. She was predeceased by her parents, nine siblings, and her great-granddaughter, Amara Juliann.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Beyond Scholarship fund by going to https://secure.etransfer.com/EssexCFC/donate.cfm or make checks payable to: The BEYOND Scholarship Fund/ECCF. Mailing address: Essex County Community Foundation, Attn: Julie Bishop, 175 Andover Street, Danvers, MA 01923.

Relatives & friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Diaz-Healy Funeral Home, 107 South Broadway, Lawrence on Sunday, February 26, 2017 from 4 - 8 p.m. On Monday, February 27, 2017, Ana's funeral will begin at the funeral home at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 300 Hampshire & Haverhill Streets, Lawrence at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Lawrence.

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