Justina Bilbao

Justina E. Bilbao, 84, of Everard Street in Worcester, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2008 in UMass Hospital. Her husband, Luis Ernesto Cortez, pre-deceased her in January 1998. She is survived by a son, Ernesto S. Cortez in Chile; two daughters, Juana Pignataro of Worcester and Elba Cortez, with whom she lived; a brother in Bolivia; twenty five grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. A son, Luis Cortez, pre-deceased her. Justina was born in Chile, daughter of Julio and Clotilde (Contreras) Bilbao, and came here in 1971. She was granted her citizenship in 2004. She worked in the house keeping department at Memorial Hospital for many years, before she retired. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church, and was once active at Prospect House in Worcester. The funeral for Justina will be held Thursday, April 24, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, with a Mass at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Saint Ann Church, 24 Mulberry Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Wednesday, April 23, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home.