Evangelita Ocasio earns Madre del Ano Award

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Mrs. Ocasio

YOUNGSTOWN — A celebration on May 9 honored Evangelita Ocasio, known as “Cuca,” who was chosen the Madre del Ano Award, or Mother of the Year, at the Sons of Borinquen Social Club.

Hundreds of Mrs. Ocasio’s family and friends attended to honor her. The Sons of Borinquen Club, on Williamson Ave., has been honoring Madres del Ano since 1971.

Mrs. Ocasio is the daughter of the late Vicente Arocho and the late Ramona Lugo Captellio, from Utuado, Puerto Rico. She was born in Utuado Oct. 17, 1931.

After her marriage to Francisco “Chico” Ocasio on April 6, 1951, the couple moved to Youngstown. The Ocasios had nine children before Mrs. Ocasio was widowed: one son, Frank Ocasio Jr.; and eight daughters, Wildemina Ocasio Sanchez, Ramona Rivera, Grimilda Ocasio, Nilda Askew, Daisy Corso, Sarita Ocasio, Miriam Ocasio and Delilah Williams.

Mrs. Ocasio has 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Family members presented Mrs. Ocasio with dozens of flowers at the celebration, and her son, Frank, represented the family in lauding her with special remarks. Each family member acknowledged her enduring love and devotion to them.

Mrs. Ocasio enjoys gardening and spending time with her family.