Ileana Villagra

On the evening of Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, our beloved Ileana Villagra, 59, aunt, cousin, niece, and good friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. A native of Jinotega, Nicaragua where she grew up with her brother and parents. She moved to the US at a young age where she attended High School in Florida and then moved to the Washington DC Metropolitan area, where she completed her undergrad and MBA at Marymount University.

She then joined the World Bank in 1988 where she had an interesting and rewarding career. Ileana was in the Resource Management and Budget family and spent the next 35 years in a variety of assignments encompassing Networks and Regions. She was privileged to travel widely with her job and to have friends and colleagues from around the globe.

Ileana has always been generous, kindhearted, witty, and quick on the uptake.  Her emotional intelligence was unparalleled, and she was a dedicated professional and friend, who cared about those around her and their well-being. Her compassion and kindness will be remembered by all who knew her.

Ileana had many interests outside the Bank. She enjoyed the love and friendship of close family and friends. She especially loved animals in general and particularly dogs.  Her furry friends brought the biggest smile to her face, and she was well known for her adoration of her own and others’ four-legged family members. For her close friends and family, Ileana would be the one bringing the biggest smiles to their faces, always knowing what to say to get a laugh and remembering funny moments from the past. She would always check in with those going through difficult times by texting, calling, or visiting consistently. She would ensure that those around her felt at home, whether family or friend. She will be missed by her family, friends, her furry companion, Abby, and many other pets who got to know her throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her father Enrique, her mother Myrna and, her brother Reinaldo, but is survived by a loving extended family who were by her side at her passing. Ileana will be buried with her family in Nicaragua. She leaves behind a big family, many friends, and colleagues around the world. 

Visitation with prayer service will be held on Friday, September 15 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Everly Wheatley Funeral Home 1500 West Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22303

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 16 at 11 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. 1427 West Braddock Rd. Alexandria, VA 22302

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Ileana’s name to:

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:  https://www.lls.org/

Or

HART Animal Rescue: https://hart90.org/HowToHelp/Donate.aspx