Liduvina Altagracia Mills

Liduvina Altagracia Mills (Benabe), affectionately known as “Lee,” passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the comforting care of the VITAS Hospice wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut, at the age of 92.

Born in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, on January 21, 1933, Lee lived a vibrant life defined by strength, style, and a profound love for her family. A proud graduate of Hofstra University and New York University, Lee was a devoted Spanish teacher who spent more than 30 years of her career at New Rochelle High School in New York. She inspired generations of students with her deep passion for language and culture. True to her vibrant spirit, she never left the house without looking her best. Her home was often filled with music and the irresistible aroma of her famous pastelillos and arroz con pollo. Her joyful voice once echoed through the rooms as she sang, “Oh, what a beautiful morning,” rousing a not-always-appreciative household with music and love. What they wouldn’t give to hear it and see her smile just once more.

Lee is predeceased by her mother Rosa Maria Rodriguez; father Antonio Benabe; and sister Sonia Fraioli (Aviles). Lee is survived and deeply missed by her sister Jennie (Richard) Hauser and her beloved children Lee Ann Storey and Myrna (Chris) Mills Albino. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren—Christopher (Elizabeth) Albino, Alison Albino, Victoria (Michael) Every and Gillian Storey. Her two cherished great-grandchildren, Christopher Joseph and Evelyn, brought her immense joy and will grow up surrounded by the love and stories that keep her memory alive. She is also survived by her close friend, Hilda Newmark, who became like a sister to her when she lived in Florida.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the VITAS Hospice team for the compassion and care they provided, especially in Lee’s final days. We are also deeply thankful to her dear friends Genoveva and Alfonso Hernandez, and Louella and Bedford Godinho, whose calls and continued connection made her move from Florida to New York much easier. Their support brought her great comfort, and she loved them very much. A special thank you also goes to her incredible caregivers—Damaris and Nelson Tejada, Darling, Flory, Ana, and the rest of their team—for their kindness and support over the last two years of her life. She was truly blessed. Surrounded by love until the very end, Lee’s final chapter was filled with the same warmth and grace that defined her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to VITAS Healthcare in Lee’s memory, in gratitude for the peace and dignity they brought to her in her final chapter—and to more than 1.5 million others they have supported to date. Alternatively, honor her legacy by reaching out to a teacher who inspired you and letting them know the difference they made in your life.