Nilda Socorro Pagan affectionately known as Cookie departed this life June 12th 2024 in Deltona, Florida. She was born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico in 1941, the proud daughter of Esperanza and Antonio Cruz.

Nilda's parents moved to New York City in the early 1940's and settled in Brooklyn. She was the eldest of 8 children. Nilda was educated in the New York City public school system and graduated from Central Commercial High School in Manhattan.

In 1962, she met and married Domingo Barbosa from that union came two children Daphne Anne and Jacqueline Marilyn. In 1969, Nilda purchased her first home in Brooklyn , raising her two children as a single mom. She was quite the entrepreneur, trying her hand at several business ventures. Eventually becoming the proud owner of an Auto Parts store in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

She later met John Anthony Pagan, affectionately known as "Tony," and they married in 1985. From that union they had a child, Sky Theresa. In 1989 Nilda, Tony, and Sky left New York City in search of a new home. They eventually settled in Deltona, Florida. Nilda continued to work in various community outreach programs and volunteered at church soup kitchens and pantries to help the less fortunate. She lead the Legion of Mary rosary organization which often recited rosaries at funeral homes at the family's request. Nilda donated to church fundraisers and supported overseas children in need of special surgery. She compassionately gave to those in need and will forever be remembered.

She is proceeded in death by her mother, Esperanza Cruz; father, Antoñio Cruz; sister Judy Cruz; brothers, Antoñio Cruz Jr. , Edwin Cruz, Ruben Cruz, Luis Cruz, and Victor Cruz.