Aida E. Rosa Ocasio

*** To those who plan on attending the Funeral Mass on Saturday October 3, 2026. Please arrive 20-30 minutes early. There is a 5 K run taking place in Bay Shore that morning, traffic may be heavy in that area and parking may be limited. Church administration said that there should be parking available in St. Patrick’s school lot ***

Aida Rosa grew up on a beautiful tropical farm in western Puerto Rico with her loving grandmother, Michaela and cherished mother, Eulalia, accompanied by her two siblings, Carlos and Carmen.

She loved climbing trees, connecting with the farm’s animals (especially a friendly and very emotionally-attached white pig named Canela with long beautiful eyelashes), and dancing in the kitchen with her grandmother and mother while cooking traditional Puerto Rican dishes, filling the home with tantalizing aromas and abundant warmth.

She adored the farm’s fruit trees, and later in life, carried on her love of them by going apple picking every year in Eastern Long Island with her daughter, Raquel.

Another of Aida’s most cherished childhood memories was her mother keeping a cabinet of specialty exotic glassware. She would delight deeply whenever a new piece was added to the collection. She carried this tradition on throughout her life as well to honor her mother, earning the affectionate title “The Queen of Cups” by her daughter Rebecca’s partner, Mark.

In her early teens, her family relocated to New York City and she was in awe of the bustling streets, twinkling city lights, and shops filled to the brim with beautiful clothing and trinkets.

Central Park was one of her favorite places, where she marveled at the changing leaves (stepping on the crunchiest leaves she could find always gave her a thrill!).

The electric joy of 60’s artists like Elvis Presley carried her through a new era in the Big City, which was filled with learning (which she always loved with a deep passion), exploration, and adjusting to the nuances of a new chapter away from rural farm life.

It was in Manhattan that she was introduced to her husband Leo Ocasio, who was the son of her mother’s best friend at work, Josephina.

Leo was struck by Aida’s beauty and grace, immediately knowing he wanted her to be his wife. Aida was deeply moved by Leo’s dedication to mentoring children and devout Catholic values, and knew he would be a supportive and caring father.

They were married in Astoria, NY on November 22, 1975 at Holy Rosary Church and remained married for 35 years.

It was then that Aida and Leo began a journey in marriage that started with several years of travel to Latin America and Europe, which fueled many hilarious stories that kept the family cracking up at the dining room table for years to come.

The pair ultimately moved to Long Island, NY and had two daughters, Rebecca and Raquel.

Aida loved reading to her children, exploring Long Island Beaches, and facilitating grand art projects with the girls, which instilled a passion for creativity and excellence in both of them. Rebecca is now a salsa dancer and visual artist and Raquel is now a singer, multi-instrumentalist musician, and visual artist due to Aida’s creative influences.

Aida filled the house with beautiful decor for every season, hosted many joyful parties, and adored celebrating every holiday. She could always be found with a cup of coffee in hand, tending to her beautiful garden, or spending quality time with her loving sister-in-law, Ruth.

Aida also had a background as a nurse and taught her children about good health and wise caution; her healing nature impacted both her children to want to help others heal both physically and psychologically. She brought her compassionate nature and strong work ethic to where she worked at Northwell Manhasset hospital for 25+ years.

Later in life, Aida revitalized her love of latin dancing, where she dove deep into New York’s salsa scene and began taking classes in salsa, bachata, tango, and more. Her daughter Rebecca encouraged her to paint the town and deepen her love of dance, opening a whole new world of joy and connection, including meeting her dear friend, Joanne.

Aida loved getting dressed to the nines in sparkly fashionable clothing and heels, for dances, dinners, and gatherings – she was always ready for a party!

She came brightly alive whenever Marc Anthony, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, Celia Cruz, Natalia Jiminez, or any of her favorite artists came on.

Aida also loved going to concerts, Broadway shows, and traveling to weekend destinations, often planned with deep affection by her daughter Raquel. Her favorite staycation was always New York City, where she could re-live her younger years through strolling happily by all the places she worked and enjoyed in the 60’s and 70’s.

She would fondly recount many memories of people and events along the way as she poked into jewelry stores, gift shops, and clothing stores to browse and enjoy all the dazzling variety.

She would always return from the city or her travels with a treasure trove of souvenirs to generously give her loved ones. Aida was pure generosity and love.

One of Aida’s favorite ways to unwind were quiet weekends at home relaxing with friends and family, cooking, and indulging in classic romantic comedies. Aida loved to laugh, swoon over period-piece love stories, and reupholster any piece of furniture she could get her hands on to breathe new life into things.

Aida breathed life into everyone she came in contact with. Her kindness, humor, feisty spirit, and strength left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She had a deep love for family and friends that expanded beyond her nuclear family, including her grand-nephew Sebastian, her cousins Nylsa and Nereida, Leo’s family, her close friend Karen, and her work colleagues Alanna, Vincenza, and Mike.

She will be deeply missed and loved eternally; until we meet again.