Catalina Melendez Colon

Catalina Melendez Colon of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, passed away on July 31, 2026 surrounded by love, family and tucked away in her bed. She was born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico on February 6, 1935 to Simplicio Melendez and Maria Colon. Mama Catin spent her last days listening to birds, watching butterflies and surrounded by flowers in her favorite place, the garden. She was married to Mario Vazquez Bonet, who she allowed to believe ran a strict household for his wife and 7 children, all the while knowing she was actually in charge. Mama Catin never met a stranger. To know her was to be family.

Mama Catin adored each of her 7 children, 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, treating each one like they were the one and only. She is survived by her siblings Gloria, Elba, Cruz Maria, Francisco and Florentino, children Noelia V. Rodriguez (Julio Rodriguez), Vilma Vazquez (Raul Perez) Sandra V. Workman (Tom Workman) Noemi Vazquez, Mario Vazquez (Gladys De Jesus) and Iliabel Vazquez (Hector Rosa), Grandchildren Yovannie, Ricardo, Gerardo, Felix, Christian, Hoyaira, Derek, Kathielys, Stephen, Stephanie, Christopher and Matthew, and great grandchildren Soriah, Yarian, Jean Carlos, Minoelix, Jacob, Addilyn, and Ariella. Greeting her in heaven were Mama Catin’s parents, siblings Alberto Justo and Claudia, her husband and her daughter, Zoraida.