Obituaries
Altagracia “Grace” Fonseca Ortega
April 24, 2020
Altagracia “Grace” Fonseca Ortega, entered into La Casa de Dios Friday, April 24, 2020 at home with loving family by her side.
Grace was born in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. She was the daughter of the late Paula Alvarez Fonseca and Martín Fonseca. Grace was entrusted with her family’s care when her father passed early in her life. She learned early on from her mother how to care and cook for a large family and honed her talent in her hometown where her family also managed a local market.
Grace was a devoted Catholic, attended San Juan Bautista Iglesia for several decades and was a loving mother to eleven children. As well as a doting grandmother to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed as the pillar of the family and community.
Grace won local awards for her excellent, Spanish cooking, which her family coveted like gold. She was employed at the Schick Razor Co. Lancaster plant in the early 1970’s. During the mid-1970’s and 80’s she was proprietor of the Ortega Grocery corner store located in the city on Green and Lime Street, in conjunction with a restaurant. She was one of the first Latinas to own a business in the city. Grace and the store were the hub of the community, where she assisted and welcomed many Hispanic and other families new to the area through her involvement with the neighborhood council, often providing translation and navigation to local services.
She raised eleven children and is survived by three daughters and seven sons, Yvonne Ortega, Judy Ortega and Becky Ortega-Lyda (Gene). Angelo Ortega, Jr., Jose Ortega (Haydee), Nestor Ortega (Ramonita), James Ortega, Sr. (Eliasol), Ronald Ortega, Sr. (Mary), Ralph Ortega, Ray Ortega, Sr. (Michelle), and step-daughter, Nilda Ortega. She is survived by over 39 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death is a daughter, Miriam Ortega, husband Angelo Ortega and grandchildren Judith A. Ortega and Pedro Melendez, Jr.
Funeral services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to San Juan Bautista Iglesia 425 South Duke St. Lancaster, PA 17602.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
June 16, 2020
A wonderful woman with a beautiful soul. She showed me love on many occasions. My condolences to all the family.
Tony Trout
May 29, 2020
RIP AUNT GRACE, I WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE,EMPATHY, COMPASSION. SO MANY MEMORIES WE SHARED, I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE AND MISS YOUR PRESENCE. LOVE YOU, ALWAYS Wanda Brown:( God bless you!
Wanda Brown
May 03, 2020
Precious Ortega family. We share your pain in the death of Dona Grace as we and many in our community called her. She was an example of the teachings of Jesus, which centered on unconditional love for all. We will continue praying for peace, consolation, and strength. We love you. Judy and Johnny, Rachel, and Enid and Soqui.
May 02, 2020
To the Ortega family from the family of Dona fela may God give your family comfort in these difficult times and lots of love and may he continue to bless your family
April 29, 2020
May the love and Care from family and friends provide peace and comfort to get you through the times ahead, she will be missed but not forgotten for our hearts are full with love and memories.
Robert Holmes
April 29, 2020
Gracias doña Grace por su amor para conmigo y para con mi madre Olga Quiñones que fueron vecinas muchos años Garden Court nos va a hacer mucha falta Gracias por siempre ser la misma Iván Acosta Vélez
April 28, 2020
Little did I know the Blessings, Life Lessons, Mentoring, and Lifelong Friendships that would develop when Dona Grace settled on our street over 40 years ago.
To “My” Ortega family “may your Mom be a never-ending song in your heart of comfort, happiness and being. Even if you forget the words may you always remember the tune”
Sending a Virtual Hug to you Becky…your friend Denise Campbell…“Jones”
April 28, 2020
To the Ortega Family,
We would like to extend our heart felt sympathy in the lost of your loved one. We will continue praying for your family during this difficult time. Cunningham Family
April 28, 2020
Judy and Ortega family,
My family and I want to express our deepest heartfelt condolences. What an amazing lady Doña Grace was and will continue to be in the lives of all who knew her. God definitely gained a beautiful angel in heaven. God Bless each and everyone of you throughout this time.
Mama Edith and family
April 28, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the whole family and will keep all in prayer for strength!
Sending Hugs and Kisses,
Mr and Mrs James Plowden Jr, Cookie(Williams)
April 28, 2020
Dear Judy and Family,
We want to express to you and your family our most heartfelt sympathy. God’s blessings to you and your family. Wilo and Carmen
April 28, 2020
Please accept our deepest condolences our hearts go out to the entire family thinking of you.
Clyde and Dawn Brown
April 28, 2020
My condolences to the entire family. She was a special lady and carried herself with grace and a gentle spirit.
Eileen Sosa
April 28, 2020
Yvonne,Judy,Becky, and all her family. My condolences to you all. Know that Dona Grace was loved. She was a pillar of the community and will be missed. Hold on to those precious memories. Peace to all!
Milton and Lucy Tiru & Family
April 27, 2020
Descanse en paz nuestra amada Tía Gracia, una mujer luchadora y el pilar de una hermosa familia. Gracias tia por todo tu amor para con nosotros especialmente para mi mamá porque fuiste más que una tía, su mama porque se muy bien que la quisiste como una hija. Familia reciban nuestras mas sinceras condolencias ante esta perdida tan significtiva en nuestra vida como es la perdida de nuestra madre. Dios les dará la fortaleza necesaria para sobrellevar este dolor. Reciban un fuerte abrazo desde la distancia de su prima Brenda, Cyndy y toda nuestra familia. Dios los bendiga. Los queremos mucho.
Brenda L Rodriguez (Hija de Rosita)
April 27, 2020
Our condolences to Ray and entire family. A mothers love lives in your heart forever. Cherish the memories.
With Love, Andy and Liz Carrillo.
April 27, 2020
To the entire Ortega family, our deepest condolesence. Your mother was a pilar to the community…. Alex Cruz (Catin’s son)
April 27, 2020
Dear Becky and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Hold on to the memories of a life fully lived. Peace to you. Julia
April 27, 2020
Mi Amore, Dona Gracie, rest in peace my sweet love. To my other Family, my Ortega’s, she is at peace passing through those heavenly gates and now is your guardian angel watching over you all. My condolences are already known and I love you all. DawnCB
