Irma Christina Dones, 84, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of fierce love, devotion, and an unbreakable family spirit. Born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, on June 22, 1942, Irma came to New York City at a young age, determined to build a beautiful life and do the absolute best for her children. In her early years, Irma worked tirelessly in a factory, being paid by the piece. Driven by a deep desire to care for others, she dedicated herself to studying and became a nursing aid. For many years, Irma worked at the Hyde Park Nursing Home and Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, eventually retiring from the VA Hospital in the Bronx in 2004. Though she worked as a nursing aid, she carried out the duties of a regular nurse with unmatched diligence. She was a deeply dedicated caregiver to her patients in the spinal cord and ventilation departments, never missing a day of work. She was adored by her colleagues, often gathering her nursing friends for small, joyful parties in her apartment. Irma’s faith was a central pillar of her life. While raised Catholic, she later found a vibrant, welcoming home at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. She was deeply grateful for her church family, finding immense joy and comfort in the community led by Pastor Bell and Deacon Valerie Ruffin. Above all else, Irma was the heart of her family. She believed completely in the power of staying together, a value she successfully instilled in her children. She kept her family close by hosting grand dinners, cooking incredible traditional dishes like pastels, arroz con pollo, and pollo frito with rice and beans. No matter how much distance was between them, she made sure everyone was doing right by one another, always watching over her children to guide them if they stumbled. Irma was immensely proud of her children, always introducing them as her "handsome sons" or "beautiful daughters" to anyone she met. She loved to visit them at their homes and businesses, always offering help in the kitchen. Even when her children grew up and became successful, she would insist on slipping them a twenty-dollar bill just because it made her feel good to give. She loved the simple, joyful moments in life, like sharing a conversation on the balcony over an ice-cold Corona brought by her son, Robert. She was known for her incredible spunk, her love of having fun, and her beautiful habit of singing wherever she went—a trait that won the hearts of everyone at the Eleanor Care Nursing Home, where she resided since 2022. Mama always taught her family to be grateful for what they had, no matter how little, to be strong-spirited, to pray constantly, and to succeed without ever giving up. Her lasting tradition lives on in her family, who always honor her and her sisters with the traditional greeting and farewell, "Bendición"—asking for and receiving her blessing as one united family. Her smile, friendliness, hospitality, dedication, and tough, loving spirit will be deeply missed daily and remembered forever. Her smile, friendliness, hospitality, dedication, and tough, loving spirit will be deeply missed daily and remembered forever. May God bless our mom always. Irma was the daughter of the late Ramon and Benita Montalvo. She was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Miguel Dones; her daughter, Emma Bruno; her sisters, Petra, Cruz, and Carmen Montalvo; her brother, Luis Montalvo; her niece, and her dear abuelita. She is survived by her daughter, Irma I. Bruno-McRae; and sons, Robert Bruno and Luis Bruno; grandchildren, Danny D. Coley, Robert M. Bruno, Cynthia L. Bruno, Christina L. Bruno, Jiuliana L. Bruno, Antonio M. Bruno, and Emma Bruno; great-grandchildren, Adriana and Prestel; nieces and nephew, Irma Lydia Mayo, Cari Romano, Carmelita Solis (and her children), and Cynthia and brother Hector Montalvo of Puerto Rico; goddaughter, Veronica and her dear friends, Lupe, Maria, Julio, and many more, along with her cherished Ebenezer Baptist Church family. May God bless our mom always.

Visitation will be held on Friday July 17, 2026, from 10am to 11am at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, 15 Smith Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Celebration of Life to begin at 11am with pastor Michael Bell officiating. Cremation to follow.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home, Inc. 39 So. Hamilton St. Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601. (845)452-1840. To send condolences online please visit our website at www.darrowfuneralhome.org.