Miryam Banuchi, we hardly knew ye!

March 2, 1950 - October 17, 2023

San Sebastián, San Sebastián, Puerto Rico

It is with heavy hearts and a dash of confusion that we gather here to bid farewell to Miryam Banuchi, a beloved member of the San Sebastián community.

Where do we even begin? Miryam, or "Miracle Miryam" as she would occasionally refer to herself, was truly one of a kind. Known for her colorful personality and distinctive fashion sense, she was a walking, talking embodiment of Puerto Rican zest for life.

From an early age, Miryam demonstrated remarkable talents in effectively misplacing her keys, purse, and even her own glasses, often at the same time. Witnessing her frantic search for these essentials was like watching a one-woman comedy sketch that always ended with a combination of triumph and bewilderment on her face.

Miryam was a pioneer in the art of telling stories that would make your jaw drop while simultaneously questioning their authenticity. Who could forget the time she claimed to have discovered the fountain of youth in her backyard, only to reveal she was referring to a particularly revitalizing face cream?

She had a laugh that could shatter glass, and a mischievous twinkle in her eyes that followed her everywhere she went. No social gathering was complete without Miryam's animated impersonations of local politicians, leaving us all in stitches, and occasionally slightly concerned about her involvement in a future political career.

Her culinary skills were legendary — for all the wrong reasons. The mere mention of her notorious surprise recipes, such as the unforgettable pickled pizza or the now-infamous macaroni and grapes casserole, was enough to send shivers down the spine of her closest friends and family.

But despite her quirks and unique way of navigating through life, Miryam had a heart of gold. She would be the first to offer a shoulder to cry on, even if she was the one who caused the tears in the first place with her unforgettable blunt honesty.

Although we are left heavy-hearted by Miryam's departure, let us remember her with joy and laughter. Her zest for life, her ability to find humor in the mundane, and her uncanny knack for turning every moment into an adventure will forever be etched in our memories.

Farewell, dear Miryam. Thank you for the laughter, the chaos, and the memories. We suspect your next adventure will be just as wild, wherever you may be.