Gracia Isabel Marchena

Gracia Isabel “Mama” Marchena June 2, 1924 – February 3, 2026

Gracia Isabel Marchena, lovingly known to all as “Mama,” passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, at the age of 101. She was born on June 2, 1924, in Cienfuegos, Cuba, where she developed her strong spirit, deep faith, and love for family and friends.

In February 1971, Gracia immigrated to the United States. She came to Orlando to work at Walt Disney World when it first opened—an experience she always carried with pride.

Gracia approached life with unwavering positivity and faith. She always sought to keep her extended family united, serving as its heart and guiding force. Even in her later years, she was ready for any activity, embracing life with enthusiasm and joy. She was often the first on the dance floor and the very last to leave, her smile and energy lighting up every room she entered. Until shortly before her passing she spoke on the telephone daily with family members and dear friends. She was also active on Facebook as a way of keeping up with everyone’s families and activities.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Marcos G. Marchena; her brother, Francisco “Kiko” Vilchez; her sisters, Juana Vilchez and Irma Vilchez; and her cherished grandson, Walter Antonio “Tony” Rey.

Gracia leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her surviving family: her children, Isabel Marchena Rey (Tony) and Marcos R. Marchena (Nancy); her grandchildren, Eric Rey (Bianca), Alexander Rey (Kristin), Marissa Cellini (Adam), Natalie Barton (Taylor), and Christina Rutledge (Tyler); and her treasured great-grandchildren, Isabella Rey, Leila Rey, Amelia Rey, Ashton Rey, Grant Rey, Hudson Rey, Easton Cellini, Wyatt Cellini, Truett Barton, Grace Barton, and Camden Rutledge. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Mama will be remembered for her joyful spirit, her deep faith, her love of dancing, the unwavering bond she created among generations of her family and her strong love for and dedication to her friends. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her legacy will live on in every life she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held for “Mama” on February 24, 2026, at 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, Florida. A reception will follow at the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Nathaniel’s Hope or OneBlood (Central Florida Blood Bank).