Janet Tapia

With profound love and deep sorrow, the family of Janet Awilda Tapia announces her passing as she went home to be with the Lord. Janet was born on July 9, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York, the third of ten children born to Maria Iluminada and Pedro Quiles. As a child she was tenderhearted, shy, and so sweetly sensitive that her family lovingly nicknamed her Mantequilla-Spanish for "butter"-because her gentle spirit melted so easily.

During her first marriage, Janet became a mother to two children, Carmen and Samuel Jr. Rosa, whom she cherished with a fierce and unwavering love. Years later, she met the love of her life, Misale Tapia Rosado. Together they shared 40 beautiful years, 33 of them as husband and wife, and welcomed their son Jonathan Misael Tapia. Their marriage was a true partnership-marked by loyalty, laughter, faith, and a devotion that never wavered.

Janet was a proud and devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren-five boys and two girls-who joyfully called her "Mama." They were her heart, her purpose, and her greatest delight. She dedicated her life to raising her children, nurturing her grandchildren, and being present for her family in every possible way. Her love was constant, steadfast, and big enough to hold everyone close.

A woman of deep and unshakeable faith, Janet lived her life with God at the center. Her faith shaped her every step, guided her through every trial, and gave her the strength to fight bravely until the very end. Her voice-beautiful, warm, and full-was one of her greatest gifts. She sang Alto in her church choir, lifting hymns to heaven with a tone that could soothe a hurting heart or fill a sanctuary with praise. When she moved to Florida, she immediately began serving at her church's food bank, helping those in need with compassion and a ready smile, because helping others was simply who she was.

Janet loved music, romantic dramas, and comedies-especially those moments that made her throw her head back with a loud, joyful laugh and clap her hands in pure delight. She loved hard and loved openly. Day or night, she was only ever a phone call away. Her friends and family knew she would always show up-with comfort, with prayer, with advice, or simply with her presence.

Among her siblings, Janet held a special place. She was the second oldest of six sisters, a role she carried with pride and affection. Her bond with her sisters was full of laughter, late-night conversations, secrets held in trust, and the greeting they looked forward to most-the way she would sing out, "Sistaa!" Some of her most treasured memories were those growing up with her sisters and brothers in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.

Janet is welcomed into eternity by her mother Maria Iluminada, her brothers David and Jacob, and her nephew Daniel, who all went before her. Her brother Esach, who passed shortly after Janet's own departure, now joins her in God's eternal embrace, bringing comfort in knowing they are reunited in peace and light.

She leaves behind her devoted husband Misale, her beloved children Carmen, Samuel Jr., and Jonathan, her treasured grandchildren, her brothers and sisters, and countless friends and family who were touched by her kindness, her warmth, and her unwavering faith.

Janet fought with courage, grace, and a strength that could only come from God. Her spirit-loving, gentle, selfless, and always ready to help-remained unchanged even through the hardest moments. Her life was a testimony of faith, family, and love in its truest form.

Though our hearts ache, we rejoice in knowing that she is now resting in the arms of her Savior, singing with the angels, and wrapped in eternal peace. Her love will continue to guide us, her laughter will echo in our memories, and her faith will forever be our example.

She ran her race with strength. She fought with heart. And she has gone home to be with the Lord.