Hilda Luz Vannata, 67, passed away on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 after a short, but spirited battle with 9/11-related pancreatic cancer. Hilda was born on April 12th, 1956 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and moved to New York as a child, together with her parents and siblings – Carmen, Eva, Rosa and Luis. After graduating Theodore Roosevelt High School, she worked as a dental assistant at a private practice, and then as an administrative aide at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center. She was known by all as a warm and caring person, always going out of her way to help anyone in need And, anyone who knew her, loved her. At a young age, Hilda became a mother, her most humbling, wonderous and rewarding experience. She was stern, but also fun. She instilled in her son Andy, a love for family and sense of duty. She taught him to work hard and do the right thing because “you can’t put a price tag on peace of mind.” She also developed in him a love for music, dance and laughter. In 1997, she earned an Associate in Arts Degree from Eugenio Maria De Hostos Community College. This was the same year as her son, Andygraduatd college, which was a source of pride and humor for both of them. Andy is now a 20-year veteran of the NYPD, currently serving in the rank of Sergeant. Throughout her life, Hilda embodied public service – honoring a family tradition of first responders and joined the Fire Department of the City of New York as an Emergency Services Technician (EMT). She served honorably for 26 years at Battalion 14 – Lincoln Hospital which is where shemet many lifelong friends and the love of her life, John.John was a Police Officer with the NYPD who was later promoted to Sergeant. They married in 1997 and together, they have enjoyed daily adventures, family gathering and many vacations. She supported him through his military career and tour of duty Operation Iraqi Freedom. And, they endured the aftermath of 9/11, both volunteering countless hours in support of recovery efforts. They found great joy in sharing their Middle Village home with their loving dogs, Coco and Roxy. Many have said that Hilda was “the life of the party” – a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, colleague and friend. She passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 after a short, but spirited battle with 9/11-related pancreatic cancer. She will be forever missed. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Tunnel-to-Towers Foundation -or – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Margaret’s Church on Wednesday, September 27, 20023 at 9:45 AM. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth 11378.
