Matilde H. Nouche was born in Malpotón, in the province of Pinar del Río, Cuba, to Maria Montero Diaz and Pablo Diaz, one of ten children in a close and hardworking family. From a young age, Matilde showed a strong spirit of independence, grace, and determination—qualities that would define her life.

As a young woman, Matilde was already an entrepreneur, opening a small shop in the city of Cayuco. It was there that she met her future husband, Jose Nouche. At that time, the extended family was involved in the operation of a hotel and restaurant, and family members worked side by side, learning responsibility, cooperation, and the value of hard work.

Matilde and Jose were married in Cayuco and later lived in Havana, where they continued to build their life together until the day they were forced to leave Cuba.

In 1967, they escaped Cuba through Spain, and on New Year’s Day 1968, they immigrated to the United States. Like so many who left everything behind, their departure was filled with emotion as family members waved white handkerchiefs at the airport, a moment of sorrow and hope that remains vivid in memory.

They settled in Jamaica, Queens, New York, where Matilde worked tirelessly as a seamstress, saving money and persevering until they were able to purchase their first home in Queens Village. Together, they later owned and operated a small grocery store, a bodega. The store was named Jomac after Jose, Matilde, and their only son, Carlos. After the bodega adventure, Matilde returned to her work as a seamstress; always providing, always building. 

In 1982, Matilde and Jose moved to Port Richey, Florida, where they owned and operated a restaurant and later worked in aerospace manufacturing. Matilde retired at the age of 65, having lived a life defined by work ethic, dignity, and resilience.

Throughout her life, Matilde remained a woman of deep faith. In Cuba, she served her parish as a Eucharistic Minister, a role that reflected her devotion, compassion, and care for others. Faith was not simply something she practiced—it was something she lived.

Matilde also loved life’s simple pleasures: traveling to Spain, visiting family in California, dancing with Jose at Knights of Columbus dinners, sharing meals after church, especially their cherished tradition of going to the Chinese buffet and celebrating life with laughter and warmth. She had a wonderful sense of humor, often joking gently and bringing smiles to those around her, making people feel comfortable with her warmth and wit.

Elegant and gracious, Matilde carried herself with quiet class and kindness.

Matilde is survived by her beloved son, Carlos Nouche, his wife and partner Evangeline, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who loved her dearly. She will be deeply missed by family and friends in Cuba, Spain, and the United States, all whose lives were touched by her kindness, humor, and strength. Special thanks to Martha Betancourth, who has been her caregiver for more than 12 years.

We take comfort in knowing that Matilde is now at peace, reunited in heaven with her husband Jose, her parents, and those who went before her.