Mrs. Ivis Nereida Principe

Ivis Nereida Marrero Principe, 76, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2021, surrounded by her family. Ivis, better known as “Nery”, was born on January 26, 1945 to Andres Sr. and Petra Marrero in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Nery immediately brought joy and laughter into the world. Her family moved to St. Croix, U.S Virgin Islands when she was five years old and she spent her formative years side by side with her siblings. Nery went on to graduate from St. Mary’s Catholic School and was well loved for her bright and warm spirit. After graduating from high school, Nery went on to pursue a degree at University of Puerto Rico and later became an accountant for Martin-Marietta. In 1969, Nery married Norman Johansen, Sr. and together they birthed three sons. Nery later fell in love with and married Louis “Lou” Principe, and the two were inseparable until Lou’s death in 2001. Nery then moved to Durham, NC to be closer to her family. Nery was a fiercely dedicated mother to all of her children. Family came first and was above all else, a value she instilled in all those around her. Nery loved to share food, fun and laughter with her family and friends, and her smile always lit up the room. She was passionate about special needs, sports, politics and was a devout Catholic. The hole left by her absence is impossible to fill. Nery was predeceased by Lou Principe, Andres Marrero Sr, Petra M. Marrero, Enrique M. Matta, Jesus M. Figueroa, Juanita M. Encarnacion, Luis E. Marrero, and Andres Marrero, Jr. She is survived by sister, Nilsa Marrero Baird and her husband Stanley Baird, brother, Jose A. Figuroa and his wife, Pauline Figuroa; her three sons, Shane Lloyd, Wayne Norman, and Norman Lloyd, Jr.; her sister-in-law, Sandra Marrero; her step-daughter, Debbie Arnold, her daughters-in-law, Shayna Johansen and Tracy Johansen; her six grandchildren, Catherine, Lauren, Cameron, Caleigh, Kayla, and Caiden; nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ivis Principe's name to Duke Dementia Family Support Program. A small intimate memorial service will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 11:30 am. Special thank you to Transitions LifeCare Hospice of Raleigh, NC for their caring and attentive guidance during the later stages of Nery’s care. The family is forever grateful to the Memory Makers program for their support of Nery and the family after Nery’s dementia diagnosis. Also, a special thank you to her niece, Maritza Baird Campbell for her loving support to Nery and her children during challenging moments in her care and after. Devoted. Caring. Faithful.

Mrs. Ivis Nereida Principe

January 26, 1945 - March 2, 2021