Sofia Leon De Aviles

Sofia Leon de Aviles of Bronxville in Westchester County, New York, passed away the early morning of Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Sofia was 89 years old, born into a farming family in Boyacá, a town in central Colombia with a population of ~4,500. Interestingly, it was one of the founding states of Colombia, known as “the land of freedom” and the scene of numerous battles that led to Colombia’s independence from Spain in 1810.

She had the spirit of Boyacá: brave, independent, and indominable. Seeking a better life, she emigrated to New York City in her late twenties, where she met her husband of nearly 50 years, Victor M. Aviles. Along with her husband, she is survived by their only son, Victor H. Aviles, and his family.

Through sheer work and determination, she and Victor Manual established a life and home in Queens, New York, bought property in Bogota, and came full circle, buying the farm where she grew up in Boyacá.

Her faith in Christ and her love of family and friends – these were the pillars upon which she built her life and where she drew strength for her lifelong battle with rheumatoid arthritis and the many ailments it caused. She endured until her final breath.

While Sofia’s absence is constant and palpable – as if the lights everywhere have been dimmed – let us celebrate her life and take comfort in the knowledge that her pain is at an end, and that our heartache is merely proof of how much she is loved.

Funeral Arrangements

A celebration of Sofia Leon de Aviles’ life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Ave., Pelham NY on Monday, January 19th from 2-4 pm. For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.