Ileana Bonilla Matuszewski

Ileana “Illy” Bonilla Matuszewski, 92, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, surrounded by her family, after complications from a heart-related stroke and congestive heart failure. Born on November 5, 1932, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico, Illy was the beloved daughter of Margarita González and Santiago Bonilla in a lively family of two brothers, Malu and Quique and four sisters; she is survived by sisters, Nalda, Nydia and Tessie and her brother Quique. Her early years in Puerto Rico instilled in her a love for family, community, and the Latin American arts—values she carried throughout her long and vibrant life.

Illy graduated from Ladycliff College, a Catholic institution in Highland Falls, New York, adjacent to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she earned her graduate degrees and master’s in social work. Her compassionate nature and deep empathy for others guided her throughout her life’s work and personal endeavors.

Illy’s generous heart was especially drawn to helping children in need—locally and globally. Over more than forty years, she supported children’s causes worldwide, collecting countless thank-you notes, drawings, and cards from those whose lives she had quietly touched. In quieter moments, she found serenity crocheting cozy wool caps and delivering them to the local Children’s Hospital for children battling cancer.

In 1958, Illy married the love of her life, Henry Edward Matuszewski, embarking on a journey of adventure and devotion that would span decades. Illy & Hank celebrated 60 years of marriage Together, they traveled the world—immersing themselves in diverse cultures, savoring local cuisines, and cherishing every shared experience. Illy was an accomplished artist and dancer, fluent in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal. Her love of the arts extended to ballet, theatre, opera, and gourmet cooking. In her leisure time, she could often be found solving crosswords and cryptograms, or showing off her skills at ping-pong—a sport she ruled with laughter and grace, only when the tennis court was no longer an option.

Illy’s greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother to her sons, Robert Edward and James Henry, and she treasured moments with her two daughters-in-law, Julie and Diane. Illy enjoyed watching her Grandson’s football games and cherished family gatherings and every family moment shared, no matter how simple. Her smile, infectious laughter, and genuine “I love you” were constants in their lives.

The Matuszewski family will take Illy’s ashes home to Aibonito, Puerto Rico, where a Catholic Mass will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. at Dscorche Wine Bar & Tapas. Mom’s ashes will be returned to Colorado and placed beneath the family tree, planted in 2018 in beautiful, Evergreen, Colorado.

Illy’s life reflected the wisdom she embraced from the principles of *The Four Agreements* by Don Miguel Ruiz—a personal code of integrity, kindness, and authenticity—which she passed to her family as her lasting gift: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. Above all, she never stopped saying, “I love you.”

To Our Friends & Family:

Ileana’s kindness reached far beyond her own family. She had a lifelong commitment to helping children in need and quietly supported children’s causes for over four decades. Over the years, Illy kept countless thank-you notes, drawings, and cards from children around the world whose lives she had quietly touched.

Mom’s wish in her passing was to ask family and friends to not send flowers and cards but instead to give to a children’s charity. In honor of Mom, we are sharing with you a beautiful cause, dear to Mom’s heart, RiseUp Malawi, where your generosity will fuel the vision of a future where all children have access to education and no child goes hungry. We hope you will enjoy this rendition of “Spanish Eyes” recorded in Malawi, in honor of Ileana by the children of RiseUp Malawi. Please feel free to share this page with family and friends.

On behalf of the entire Bonilla and Matuszewski families, Thank you.