Awilda E. Jimenez (nee Baez) passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, at home. She was born on August 6, 1945, in San Juan, Puerto Rico to the late Felix and Maria Baez. On June 10, 1965, she married Faustino Jimenez, Sr. in Gary, Indiana and together they raised five children. Awilda loved her family and dedicated her life to taking care of them. She was a talented artist and enjoyed music. She will always be remembered for her faith in God and touching the many lives of those who crossed her path.

She is survived by her children, Sylvia (Anthony) Lopez, Julia (Herminio) Santana, Faustino (Kara) Jimenez, Jr., Antonio (Shannon) Jimenez; eight grandchildren, Nathaniel, Gabriella, Christopher, Nicholas, Corrine, Christina, Isabella, and Aliyah; brothers, Miguel Negron, David (Nancy) Baez; sisters, Ruth Negron, and Dinah Negron.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Faustino Jimenez, Sr.; daughter, Nancy Wooten; parents, Felix and Maria Baez; brothers, Felix Baez, Jr., Elias Negron, Sam Baez; and sister, Rachel Velez.

Visitation for Awilda will be held Wednesday, August 30, 2023, from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage. A funeral service will take place at 12:00 pm with Rev. Jerry Martin officiating. She will be laid to rest at McCool Cemetery. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.