Florida Manaois

Florida Calza Sanchez Manaois
4/23/45 - 5/19/23

Florida Manaois, 78, of Rosebank, Staten Island, New York, passed away on May 19, 2023, right after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Lung Cancer. She was a God fearing woman with unwavering faith, unconditionally loved her family with all her heart and soul, and touched so many people that met and came to know her. Her smile was warm and inviting, she always made people feel welcomed at her home, especially when feeding them with filipino food. She always shared stories of growing up in the Philippines and the many “suitors” that longed for her. She also loved bowling on Saturdays with her family. 

Florida, or “Puying”, was born on April 23, 1945 to Cecilio Sanchez Sr. and Brigida Calza in Caloocan City, Manila, Philippines. She used to joke around that she was born underneath the coconut tree during WWII. Florida earned her Bachelors of Science in Foods and Nutrition at Centro Escolar University, Manila in 1966. Soon after she worked for Gerber Baby Foods and traveled around the Philippines. Florida then immigrated to the United States in 1976. She then became a School Food Nutrition Manager for the Board of Education from 1976 - 2013. 

Florida met Alberto, “Bobet”, in the Philippines. They knew each other from their childhood and met again as adults in which they began dating in 1973. They had a civil marriage in the Philippines on March 3, 1975 and then three years later at Our Lady of Good Counsel on August 26, 1978. They went on to have their only daughter, Jamie Lee. 

In 2013, Florida retired and spent her time cooking for her family, which she enjoyed so much, bowling in the PACCCSI / Phil-Am League (1992-2018), spending time with her beloved husband, Bobet, her daughter, Jamie Lee and her grandson, Ethan. She loved her “apo” so much. 

Florida was predeceased by her parents Cecilio Sr. & Brigida, sisters Imelda & Clarita, brothers, Enar & Frankie. She is survived by her beloved husband, Alberto, daughter, Jamie (Johnny), grandson, Ethan, many cousins, nieces, nephews, her eldest brother, Cecilio Jr. (Adelaida) and youngest sister, Corazon (Jimmy). 

Services will be held at Martin Hughes Inc. Funeral Home on May 30th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, mass on May 31st at Holy Rosary RC Church at 9:30 AM and burial at Cemetery of the Resurrection at 11:15 AM.

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