Obituary of Alba Arana

In Loving Memory of Alba Arana August 16, 1950 – August 6, 2025 It is with heavy hearts and immense love that we announce the passing of Alba Arana, who left this world peacefully on August 6, 2025 — just ten days shy of her 75th birthday. Born on August 16, 1950, Alba lived a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion to her family. For 56 years, she shared a remarkable marriage with her devoted husband, Alberto Arana—a partnership rooted in loyalty, deep respect, and unshakable love. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home, raising three children who were the center of her world: Kathie Arana, Galo Arana, and Alberto Jr. Arana. She was the heart of the family—an endless source of comfort, wisdom, and encouragement. Her life was defined by her selflessness and the way she made everyone around her feel special and loved. Whether she was preparing a favorite family meal, lending a listening ear, offering a word of advice, or sharing her entrepreneurial spirit through one of her many businesses—including her beloved jewelry store—she had a way of making life's ordinary moments feel extraordinary. She was known for her humor, her vibrant storytelling, and her ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved gathering her family around the table, celebrating holidays with heartfelt traditions, and cheering on the successes and milestones of those she held dear. Her kindness extended beyond her family, touching the lives of friends, neighbors, and anyone fortunate enough to know her. Alba is survived not only by her husband and children, but also by her three loving sisters: Teresa Ramirez, Lola Pacheco, and Marlene Solorzano, and her brother, Richard Zapata. She was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, who will forever remember her warmth, generosity, and guidance. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Marie Patterson, Galo's partner, who also played a vital role in Alba's care, happiness and well-being. Alba deeply cherished Marie's presence and found great joy in their bond. In addition, Alba leaves behind her loving cousins, brother law and sister in laws and great friends with whom she shared a lifelong connection that brought her comfort and joy throughout the years. She was a proud and adoring grandmother to Leslie Ann Mendez, Nicholas Mendez, and Emily Mendez, who were a constant source of pride and happiness. She poured her heart into every moment spent with them and delighted in watching them grow. And as a true testament to her loving spirit, she is also survived by her most cherished four-legged companions, Gizmo and Abigail II, loyal dogs who brought her endless comfort, joy, and unconditional love throughout her later years. Her legacy lives on in the lessons she taught about love, resilience, and the enduring strength of family. While her absence leaves a void that can never be filled, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to share life with her. The family also wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Margarita Oks-Arriola, whose unwavering support meant so much during Alba's final years. Alba often reminded us to live boldly and without hesitation. Her favorite saying was: "Dos pasos adelante, ningún paso atrás, ni para cojer impulso." (Two steps forward, no steps back, not even to gain momentum.) A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Her family and friends will honor her memory with the same love and grace she gave so freely during her lifetime. Visitation will be Monday, August 11 from 4-8PM at Edward D. Lynch Funeral Home, Inc, 43-07 Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside, NY. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Queen Of Angels RCC, 44th Street And Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside, NY. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Woodside on Tuesday, August 12 at 11:15 am.