Iris Patricia Ortiz

Bloomingburg, NY

Iris Ortiz, 93, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at Garnet Health Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her family. She was a devoted mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, and cherished friend.

Iris was born on November 26, 1932, in Penuelas, Puerto Rico to Brigida Martinez and Enrique Araud. Iris found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. She loved sitting outside in the sunshine on her rocking swing, attending a conference, and enjoyed going out to see a good show. Her warmth, strength, and steady presence were the foundation of her family.

On December 21, 1957, Iris married, Hector Ortiz. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with four children: Hector, Kathy, Roy, and John.

Iris dedicated much of her professional life to the field of microbiology. She worked in hospital laboratories throughout New York City, including Mount Vernon Hospital, where she retired in 2000.  After relocating from the Bronx to Bloomingburg, New York, her passion for her work led her to continue her career at Orange Regional Medical Center until 2011. Deeply committed to education and personal growth, Iris returned to college later in life and proudly earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Iona College in 1999. 

Iris is survived by her loving children: Kathy (Rob), Roy (Donna), and John (Mariann). She leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Yolanda, Jennifer (Jeruan), Anna (Ralph), Jessica (Tony), Denise (Louis), Nicholas, Anthony (Sarah), Maria (Clinton), and Crystal (Michael); fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her goddaughter, Colleen; sister Nelly; and brothers Eddie and German. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her husband, Hector Ortiz; her son, Hector Ortiz Jr.; brothers, Louis, Alberto, Osbaldado; nieces, Brenda and Bridget; and her great-grandson, Roy.

Iris will be remembered for her caring spirit, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and unwavering devotion to her family. She was proud to be an educated professional and an even prouder matriarch whose legacy of love and perseverance will live on in all who knew her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd. Pine Bush, New York. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Bloomingburg, New York. Burial will follow at Bloomingburg Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com  

She will be missed beyond measure and forever remembered.