In loving memory of
Ildara Belén Betancourt

• Passed away on July 13, 2022

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Ildara Belén Betancourt de Jiménez of Pinar del Río, Cuba; New Jersey; New Mexico; and Sarasota, passed peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. She is survived by her loving husband, Roberto Betancourt; her children Rey Canton of Tampa, Florida; Rob Canton of Thonotosassa, Florida; Rick Canton of Leesburg, Virginia; Raph Canton of Wesley Chapel, Florida; and ten grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vicente M. Jiménez and Belén Barrios and her brother, Vincent W. Jiménez.

Ildara was born in Cuba in 1933 before emigrating to the United States in 1961. After graduating from Universidad de La Habana in Havana, Cuba, she began a career as a school teacher before later becoming a master seamstress with a long list of noteworthy clients and customers throughout Central Florida. While she enjoyed bringing joy to others through her creations, Ildara’s greatest love were her four boys, of which she was incredibly proud.

Those of us who knew and loved Ildara, and we are many, would remind those who might feel overly sad at her passing, that she was always one to see the silver lining in any difficult situation. She will forever live in our hearts. We all knew Elvis Presley was always a close second to her family when it came to the loves of her life. While she cherished all of his recordings, this one was special:

Crying in the Chapel – Elvis Presley

You saw me crying in the chapel The tears I shed were tears of joy I know the meaning of contentment I am happy with the Lord

Just a plain and simple chapel Where all bumble people go to pray I prayed the Lord that I’ll grow stronger As I live from day to day

I searched and I searched but I couldn’t find No way on earth to gain peace of mind

Now I’m happy in the chapel Where people are of one accord Yes, we gather in the chapel Just to sing and praise the Lord

You’ll search and you’ll search but you’ll never find No way on earth to find peace of mind

Take your troubles to the chapel Get down on your knees and pray Then your burdens will be lighter And you’ll surely find the way