Luz Idalia Colon Osborn
June 11, 1939 – December 13, 2024
Luz was born just as the first rays of sun dawned on the horizon in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on June 11, 1939. Her father Sergio Colon loved telling this story and how her name meant “light” in Spanish. Shortly after, her mother Josephina died following complications from childbirth. Within a few years she moved to Brooklyn, New York with her father, brother Reuben and Mercedes, her adoptive mother.
She graduated from The Epiphany School and earned her cosmetology license at a vocational school in Brooklyn. She worked at a local salon and enjoyed “making the ladies look and feel beautiful,” a calling she fulfilled for more than 30 years.
While she enjoyed summer visits to Coney Island and winter snowball fights with her brother, it only took one visit to Miami Beach, Florida, and the multitude of palm trees to capture her heart. She then convinced her parents to move in 1960. They lived in a cozy home close to downtown Miami and attended St. Mary’s Cathedral. She often told her father and mother she hoped to one day get married in the Cathedral.
One day while disembarking the public bus, after a long day at the salon, she saw this handsome man with the cutest little baby girl. She stopped, looked at the baby and said, “I wish she could be mine,” and he said “she could.” That man, Stephen, turned out to be a widower taking his daughter out for a stroll. After a month-long of dates, he asked her to get married on New Years Eve 1966, followed by a June 1st wedding at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Luz then adopted her one and only daughter Esther and together with Steve created life-long memories.
Unfortunately, they divorced in 1984, but while they went their separate ways, they always maintained a love and mutual respect. She unexpectedly met and married Peter Osborn, later in life, with whom she enjoyed travelling, trying ethnic foods and dancing every time they had a chance. She loved recalling her trips to Paris, England, Paris, Puerto Rico, Spain and promised when she won the “Cash Three” lottery she would take everyone on a cruise!
After hurricane Irma, in 2017, Peter was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, moved to a retirement center and Luz moved in with her daughter’s family. It was a bit of an adjustment for this once independent and free-spirited soul, but dementia was a thief that slowly took away and impaired some of her abilities. With time, she settled in her “little apartment,” and enjoyed spending every day and night with her family. Some days she would cheer her granddaughter Lulu at a volleyball game, go on a date with her grandson Jeffrey or sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with her son-in-law Jeff. Other times she would enjoy shopping and having lunch at local Cuban cafes with her daughter.
On a “good” day she would often say “I have it made with a chauffeur, chef, and a cleaning lady.” Then there were her weekly visits to Anna, her hairstylist and friend who knew how to do her sexy waves and turn her frown upside down when singing “The Clockmaker Song,” homemade breakfast deliveries with Maria on Friday’s and daily visits with her best “buddy” Suzanne and lunches at Philly Junction!
She was blessed to be under the care of Dr. Glenn Tovar Dias who went above and beyond ensuring her healthcare needs were always met. When she was up to it she would go to Mass at St. Cecilia where she was simply known as “Mama,” who always had a contagious smile and “light” hearted spirit.
Goodness there is so much to write about my Mama. So many stories to share but the greatest is this…Luz a.k.a. “Light” was a beacon of joy, excitement, and love to all she met. When she loved, she did so with all her heart and when she was sad, she tried to embrace God’s purpose, never wanting to waste a day on negativity.
She loved life and wanted to live to at least 90! Well Mama you were shy just five years, but you were suffering from arthritis, frustrated with the loss of your memory and independence. When you took your last breath on December 13th, it was not expected, but I held your hand and got to tell you what an amazing Mama and Abuelita you were, how you would now see your mothers, father, brother and spouses…I recalled how you taught me to unconditionally love and support my children and be a safe haven where they could share their hopes and fears and to treasure my husband for his tremendous heart…I could see the love in the eyes of the EMT, the ER doctor and one nurse…I know that was God’s love in their eyes letting me know you were on your way to Heaven and you finally earned your angel wings.
May your light always shine in our hearts and treasured memories until we meet again. In the meantime, we will keep a lookout for you when the cardinals visit our garden and smile as we sing “rie, llora a cada qual le lllega so hora.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sergio, Josephina and Mercedes; brother, Reuben; husbands, Stephen Belz & Peter Osborn. Luz is survived by her daughter, Esther Kiesel; son-in-law, Jeff Kiesel; grandchildren Emilee Young-Kiesel (Brittany Young-Kiesel); Jeffrey & Lourdes de la Luz Kiesel; great grandchildren CJ and Eloise, best friend Margarita along with many who loved her so very much.
Join our Celebration of Life Mass Saturday, January 18, 2025, 10am at St. Cecilia Catholic Community 5632 Sunrise Drive Fort Myers, FL 33919, and please wear bright colors, especially orange, in her honor.
In lieu of flowers you may consider a donation to Childcare of Southwest Florida, www.ccswfl.org for she loved children with all her heart.
St. Cecilia Catholic Community
© 2025 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Mercy Culver
December 31, 2024, 7:15 pm
Dear Esthercita You and your family are in my prayers
Your stepmom was a wonderful person, so sweet and unselfish, full of love for you.🙏
Iris Menendez
December 31, 2024, 9:14 pm
Beautiful tribute! May she rest in peace 🙏.
Bill and Jennifer Belz
December 31, 2024, 9:15 pm
Beautiful words for a beautiful soul. She will be missed by all who loved her. We will be there in spirit, as we have a church event that jennifer is helping to organize that day. Tia will be in our hearts that day.
Haydee Kosch
January 1, 2025, 8:18 pm
Mama was a beautiful lady inside and out. When she came to stay, she would come over and I would make her coffee and toast or crackers and she would reminisce of her younger years with lovely stories. May God keep her in his hands and may her family keep her in their hearts. Sending love and prayers to all who were fortunate to have been part of her life. 🙏🏼☦️❤️