Emma Acosta

Emma Rosa Acosta Jurado, born on November 15, 1963, in Cidra, Puerto Rico, to Hermes Jurado-Rivera and Ana Lopez-Ortiz, was peacefully called home to Jesus on October 28, 2024, in Tampa, FL, surrounded by her family. Her passing followed a courageous, years-long battle with Cryoglobulinemic Glomerulonephritis (CryoGN), a rare autoimmune disorder.

Emma's life of resilience and love began at a young age. After the heartbreaking loss of her mother in 1980, 17-year-old Emma embraced the role of caretaker for her younger siblings, providing them with the nurturing guidance and strength they needed. She graduated from Coginchaug Regional High School in 1982 and pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse at Salve Regina College. While in nursing school, Emma met and fell in love with a charming Navy corpsman, Juan Acosta. They married on February 9, 1985, in Providence, Rhode Island, and later settled in Port Charlotte, Florida. Emma's calling to serve others led her to a 38-year career in Home Healthcare, where her compassionate touch and dedication became her legacy.

In 1996, Emma embraced another family passion by opening El Café Tropical, an authentic Cuban/Latin American restaurant in Port Charlotte, where she shared her cultural heritage through her beloved cuisine. Known especially for her flans, she quickly became a cherished part of the community, frequently catering for local events and offices.

Emma and Juan's family was the light of her life. She was a devoted mother to Christina Nicole (1986), Miguel Antonio (1991), and Anamaria Carmen (1995), who brought her endless joy. In 2004, she was blessed with the title of "Nana," a role she cherished above all. Her grandchildren-Isabella Nicole, Myniah Carmen, Laylah Teresa, Miguel Antonio Jr., and Cesare Jacob-were her pride and delight, each of whom she adored immensely.

Emma was a woman of simple, yet profound pleasures. She loved walks on the beach, dancing to bachata, and crocheting gifts that warmed her loved ones' hearts. Her favorite color was purple, she had a soft spot for maple walnut ice cream, and she found joy in the warmth of Hallmark movies. Emma will always be remembered by her fervent faith, motherly spirit, kindhearted demeanor, and the care she had for anyone who needed it. Whether you were one of her children's friends, a colleague, met her in the church, or even while out shopping, Emma never missed an opportunity to connect with people and extend God's love to others.

She is survived by her husband of almost 40 years, Juan Manuel Acosta, her son Miguel Antonio, and her daughters Christina Nicole (Matthew) Garcia and Anamaria Carmen. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Isabella Nicole, Myniah Carmen, Laylah Teresa, Miguel Antonio Jr., and Cesare Jacob. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Ana Evelyn Jurado, Benjamin (Ruth) Jurado, John Jurado, and Maria Felicita Jurado. She leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews, including Benjamin "Junito" Jurado Jr., Melissa Rochelle Cicero, Danny Otero Jurado, Taylor Cierra Lopez, Dimaisha Jurado, and Dominique Romanita Lopez, as well as her mother-in-law Maria Carmen Acosta, sister-in-law Maria Carmen (Benjamin) Torres, nieces and nephews by marriage, Carmen Bernadette (Dennis) Hopper, Enrique Jose (Melissa) Fajardo, Michael Benjamin Torres, and Jennifer (Joe) Saunders, and extended family.

Emma is preceded in joining the Lord by her father Hermes Jurado-Rivera, her mother Ana Lopez-Ortiz, her beloved brother Jose Alberto Jurado, father-in-law Manuel "Lolo" Acosta, and her precious grandniece Alayia Lopez.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Services: A visitation will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 5:00 PM at Life Celebration Center of Punta Gorda, 1515 Tamiami Trl, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. A brief final visitation and celebration of Emma's life will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:30 AM at Deep Creek Community Church, 1500 Cooper St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, led by Pastor Steve Glover. Burial will follow at Charlotte Harbor Cemetery, 4410 Church Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33980. All who were touched by Emma's life are welcome.