Yolanda Morales

Yolanda Morales was born on July 20, 1929 in the town of Quezaltenango, Guatemala, Central America. She was married to her childhood sweetheart George Morales, an accomplished artist, from Guatemala City. They were married for 65 years. She is survived by three children, Mrs. Janina (Larry) Brown of Orlando, Fl., Carlos (Cynthia) Morales of San Leandro, CA., and Robert Morales of Oakland, CA. She also had four grandchildren, Jason Moore of San Francisco, CA., Miss Olivia, Sophia and Emma Morales of San Leandro CA. The first born son and daughter were born in Guatemala City, and the two remaining sons were born in Elyria and Mansfield, Ohio. Yolanda applied her masterful skills as a seamstress and interior decorator in Guatemala, Ohio and Florida. She worked at Jo-Ann’s in Orlando for several years teaching various types of classes in addition to doing custom work at home. She loved quilting and made an art quilt which she copied from a book. Yolanda and George worked together using their skills to create a quilt that is five by seven feet. It took them over a year to design and gather all the materials required for their amazing creation. Yolanda became a United States citizen on December 6, 1960 in Elyria, Ohio. She came to this country in 1955 not speaking the language to reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for her citizenship and passing the written exam. Becoming a citizen was one of her proudest moments, and she considered the right to vote a sacred privilege coming from a country where dictatorships are the norm. She voted in every election including the 2012 Presidential election. Yolanda was always known as the “rock” of the family being extremely logical and with a strong emotional will. She was always busy cooking, cleaning and maintaining a home where her family grew strength from her love, hard work and efforts. She enjoyed cooking all types of foods from different countries. Some of her favorite foods which she made were Beef Stroganoff, Paella, Guatemalan Tamales, Apple Pie and Sangria. Yolanda and George loved to entertain in their home and would often have parties where everyone would dance and have fun. You would see Yolanda and George dancing the tango, and everyone thoroughly enjoying their passion for a dance practiced throughout the Latin countries. She was a firm believer in education and encouraged all of her children to attend college, and continue education throughout their lives. She touched our lives and left lasting impressions that time can not erase. She led quietly and by example earning the love of her husband, family and friends. Her grandmother taught her to read the Bible at an early age. Every night they would read the Bible together. She was a devout Catholic and was a member of St. James Catholic Cathedral Church. She would always comment on how St. James Church reminded her of the churches in Guatemala. She always wanted to sit in the front pew because she could get the best view there. We are holding her memorial service at the chapel at St. James on Orange Avenue on Tuesday, March 15th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Vincent de Paul would be greatly appreciated. You can write a check and make it payable to St. Vincent de Paul and mail to St. James Catholic Cathedral Church, 215 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL. 32801. If you have any questions about donating, please call St. James Church at 407/422-2005.

Yolanda Morales

July 20, 1929 - February 14, 2016