Edith Picallo, 81, transitioned to the other side on June 25, 2022 at her home in Leesburg with her daughters by her side.
Edith was born in Cuba on September 27, 1940. She married the love of her life, Ricardo, on December 25, 1961 and welcomed 2 sons into the world, Ricky (1964) and Julio (1966). She tragically lost Ricky in an accident in 1966 but her faith pulled her and Ricardo through that very dark time. In 1970, she emigrated to the US and began her American life in the Miami area. She then brought 2 daughters into the world, Debbie (1971) and Peggy (1974), and moved to Leesburg in 1974 where she happily lived out the rest of her life. In 1980, she was able to bring her parents (Angel and Dulce Maria) from Cuba to beautiful Leesburg with her.
Edith became a widow in 1985 and again clung to her faith to pull her family through this next very dark time. She instilled a deep, unquestionable faith in her children and always stressed that everything is part of God’s plan. This beautiful soul was always there for her family and friends (many of whom she considered family) participating in everything from their simplest joys to their most difficult decisions. Lovingly, she helped her family in Cuba, always mindful that political boundaries could not truly divide a family.
Anything Edith touched ended up beautiful. She was an incredibly creative person who sewed for her family and others, cooked delicious meals, made flower arrangements, loved tending to her plants, coordinated get-togethers, and decorated her home with her unique, personal style. Her creativity knew no bounds. She had even reupholstered furniture, took cake decorating classes, painted ceramics, crocheted, and ribbon embroidered.
Edith loved children and enjoyed teaching Spanish in her home as her own children went off to college. At one point, she had up to 35 students (children and adults) and enjoyed telling them funny stories to motivate their translating abilities. You never knew what silly thing would come out of her mouth.
This special lady is survived by 3 children; Julio (Marcia), Debbie (Mickey), and Peggy; 2 grandchildren (Megan & Melissa); and 1 great-grandchild (Chloe); and so many other family members who loved her in a matriarchal role.
There will be a service in her honor on Saturday, July 2nd beginning at 2pm at the Beyer’s Funeral Home chapel on Main Street in Leesburg. While Edith loved flowers, please feel free to make a donation to the American Cancer Society or any charity supporting children or animals in lieu of sending flowers.
