Leonarda (Candelario) Nieves

Leonarda (Candelario) Nieves, 85, of New Haven, Connecticut died peacefully at her home on Thursday, April 2, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Evaristo Nieves. Leonarda was born in Patillas, Puerto Rico on November 5, 1940, a son of the late Balbino Candelario and the late Alejandrina Ayala, and had resided in New Haven for the past fifty three years.

Leonarda was a beautiful soul, and her smile was beautiful and bright. Her house was always open to everyone with open doors. She loved fishing and going to casinos with Antonio and friends. She loved to cook and watch her soap operas. She also loved music and going to church. Leonarda loved when her home was filled with family, full of laughter and love. She truly will be missed. Leonarda was a beautiful soul that has departed this world, but will never be forgotten.

Leonarda is survived by five daughters, Carmen Milagros Nieves, Luz (José Díaz) Nieves, Julia (Efrain Alicea) Nieves, Carmen Socorro (Wilfredo) Alicea, and Norma Nieves, four sons, Estéban Nieves, Efrain Nieves, Luís Vazquez and Miguel Vazquez, all of New Haven, one sister, Julia Candelario of Detroit, MI, twenty four grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousin and friends. She was predeceased by her daughter Maria Esther Nieves, two sons, Victor Manuel Nieves and William Nieves, one sister, Alejandrina Candelario and two brothers, Juan Candelario and Antonio "Toño" Candelario.

Leonarda's family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, April 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. A funeral service will take place during visitation time. A brief prayer service will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 8th at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella T. Grasso Blvd., New Haven. washingtonmemorialfh.com

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