LOS ANGELES, California – When 100-year-old Cuban immigrant Martha Aguilar passed away in the San Fernando Valley after a lifetime of sacrifice, resilience, and generosity, her family honored her final wish by donating her body to medical education. Soon afterward, they discovered that a reverse mortgage had grown to nearly $925,000, placing the home she and her late husband spent decades building at risk of foreclosure.

The family’s experience reflects a growing challenge facing families across America who inherit homes encumbered by reverse mortgages. What begins as a time of mourning can quickly become a race against foreclosure involving probate, legal expenses, lender deadlines, and the possible loss of a multigenerational family home.

In Cuba, Mrs. Aguilar was a licensed couturière and fashion design instructor, recognized for her craftsmanship and dedication. In 1967, she left behind her family, career, and everything she had built so her husband and two young children could pursue a better future in the United States.

Starting over was difficult, but through determination and perseverance, she rebuilt her life. She worked in the garment industry, operated her own business, and in 1979 helped establish the family restaurant, Las Palmas, in North Hollywood. Known for her hospitality, kindness, and work ethic, she became the heart of her family and community. To her grandchildren, she was simply “Abuela”, loving, resilient, generous, and always present.

Even after her passing at age 100, her generosity continued through the donation of her body to the USC School of Medicine to help educate future physicians.

The family home represents far more than real estate. It is where generations celebrated weddings, birthdays, baptisms, quinceañeras, holidays, and countless family gatherings. More than a house, it represents the sacrifices Martha Aguilar and her late husband made to build a new life in America and create a lasting legacy for their children and grandchildren.

After her death, the family learned that the reverse mortgage obtained years earlier for necessary home repairs and renovations had grown to nearly $925,000. Since then, family members have navigated probate proceedings, legal expenses, court filings, lender deadlines, and the complexities of the reverse mortgage process while working to prevent foreclosure until ownership of the home can be legally transferred.

The family also has concerns about the circumstances surrounding the reverse mortgage signing process. At the time, Martha Aguilar did not speak fluent English and relied on a lender-provided translator. Her son was not permitted to assist with translation, and differences in Spanish dialects made communication more difficult. The family believes these circumstances may have affected her understanding of the long-term obligations associated with the loan.

“My mother spent a lifetime creating a home where family, faith, and tradition could be passed from one generation to the next,” said Carlos Aguilar, Martha Aguilar’s son. “We hope sharing her story will help other families better understand the challenges that can arise with reverse mortgages and the importance of planning ahead.”

The family hopes Martha Aguilar’s legacy will encourage greater awareness of reverse mortgages, estate planning, financial literacy, and policies that better protect surviving families navigating these complex financial obligations.

To help preserve the family home while the estate is administered, the family has launched a public crowdfunding campaign to assist with legal expenses, probate costs, and other time-sensitive obligations related to the reverse mortgage process.

Family members are available for interviews and can provide documentation, photographs, and additional background information upon request.

To learn more, visit https://gofund.me/596507518

Media Contact
Company Name: Carlos Aguilar
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Phone: +18184378368
City: Los Angeles
State: California
Country: United States
Website: gofund.me/596507518