Edith (Arce) Mantilla

Family and friends are heartbroken to share the news of Edith Arce Mantilla’s passing on January 27th, 2021. She is survived by her husband, Cesar Augusto Mantilla, sons Jonathan and Vincent Mantilla, grandson Varick Roman Mantilla, and her siblings Emma Arce, Celia Miranda, Maura Dickerson, and her husband Joseph Dickerson, Alvis Arce, and Tiofina Arce. Along with many nieces and nephews who will all feel the loss of Edith’s warm presence. 

Edith's birth certificate reads that she was born on September, 11th 1941, in Quinllán, district Manas Province of Cajatambo of Lima, Peru, to parents Vincente and Cirila Arce. As a young girl, she enjoyed moments with her father, who taught her the value of hard work and perseverance. She is described by her siblings as filled with courage, love, and independence. 

Edith was a beautiful, brave young woman who left all she knew in Peru in her early 20’s to head to the United States of America in search of a future full of promise. Once she arrived, she was wonderfully surprised to learn about American customs. At her very first Halloween party, she met a young Peruvian, Cesar Augusto Mantilla, who would be lucky enough to be her loving husband. Over the course of their 50-year union, they were rarely apart and dedicated their time and energies to building up a beautiful life in Brighton, Massachusetts. 

Edith was the embodiment of the American dream of how working hard, sacrificing, and focusing on a future could provide you a beautiful life. She and Cesar were deeply involved in their communities and sponsored many of their family to join them here in America. Her door was always open, and she was always willing to help someone. She loved children and found work teaching at Boston Public Schools, where nurturing young learners became a passion of hers. 

Those lucky enough to know Edith speak of her strength, generosity, and loving spirit. She always greeted you with a warm smile and kind words.  She was a woman of faith and found comfort in her relationship with Jesus. A true matriarch of her family Edith led by the example of what it means to put family first. The Mantilla household is so often filled with love and laughter, with Edith at the center of it all. She loved to host parties and events, like Pachamanca, and there are few events more fun or special than one found at her house. So many wonderful memories are rooted in Edith’s hospitality and lovely nature.

Of all of Edith’s accomplishments, she was the most so proud of her sons Jonathan and Vincent Mantilla and her grandson Varick Roman Mantilla. She loved spending her days surrounded by the men she loved most in her life. She was the happiest gardening, sharing a delicious meal, watching western movies, and Boston sports as a family. 

The family invites you to join them for Funeral Mass on Friday, February 5th at 10:30 a.m at St. Columbkille Church 321 Market Street Brighton, MA, with interment to follow at the Newton Cemetery & Arboretum. A private viewing for immediate family will occur at 9:00 am at Lehman, Reen & McNamara Funeral Home.

FUNERAL MASS CAN BE LIVESTREAMED AT WWW.BRIGHTONCATHOLIC.ORG AND SELECT YOUTUBE LINK

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