Memorial
Lucy Marie Ortega, 92, previously of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Saint Anne Extended Healthcare in Winona, Minnesota.
The family will greet friends at a Celebration of Life Open House on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 1 – 3 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home in Cedar Rapids, IA, with a memorial service at 3 p.m. led by the Rev. Dr. Ritva Williams of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. A private family inurnment will follow.
Lucy was born on May 20, 1931, in Mount Kisko, New York to C. William and Marjorie Covell. She graduated from Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in Troy, New York on March 10, 1951, and became a registered nurse. She married Dr. Saturnino (Bob) Ortega in East Greenbush, New York on August 10, 1953. They had five children together and moved to Cedar Rapids in 1965. They divorced after 25 years of marriage. Lucy spent the last four years of her life in Winona, Minnesota, to be near family.
Lucy lovingly volunteered and supported her children and grandchildren in numerous activities, organizations, and events over the years. She became a realtor in 1978 and enjoyed selling homes for almost 30 years. Lucy loved taking pictures and loved tending to her floral gardens. She enjoyed the beach and made numerous trips to Florida with family and friends. Lucy was a wonderful mom, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include her four sons, Bill (Lori) of Winona, Minnesota, John (Kim) of Boca Raton, Florida, and Jim (Melissa) of Denver, Colorado, and Steve of Tyler, Texas; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ryan, Andy, Allison, Evan, and Robert; two great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Madelyn; and her brother, Charlie Covell.
Lucy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Don Covell, sister Sue Arekian, and her daughter, Joyce Parks.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to
St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.