Miriam Carmen Rogers

Miriam was born on March 1, 1927 in Ciego de Avila, Camaguey, Cuba. She was one of three children - and the only daughter - of Maria Miyares and Juan Nicolas Carrillo.

She graduated from the Antiguo Colegio Teresiano in Camaguey before attending the University of Havana. She came close to finishing her doctorate in philosophy and letters before fleeing Cuba in exile.

She headed north, to the United States, on March 13, 1962, to join her younger brother and his family.

Leaving home was sad and scary. Before she could go, Cuban authorities made her strip, and they took most of what she carried with her, including an extra set of clothes and her father's pen. They broke the shoes she was wearing, her only pair.

At first, in America, she worked for a small nail salon. Later, she became a manicurist at Elizabeth Arden in Washington, D.C. She worked there for about 30 years.

She had many famous clients, including Nancy Reagan and several Kennedys, among them Ethel, Joan, and Jacqueline. She also worked with Queen Elizabeth.

The Queen had lovely skin, Miriam would tell everyone, and a good sense of humor.

Miriam shared stories with her family about other customers, including the stripper that showed up one day. The lady asked if Miriam wanted to see how she worked, and she undid her robe, showing off her tassels and her talents.

Miriam met her husband, James Rogers, through family friends. He also was Cuban, born to an American father. They married on July 14, 1964. Their daughter, Madeline, was born the next year.

Miriam was adored by her family. Her nieces and nephews called her "The Light" because she always saw the positive side of everything and everyone. Messy house? Oh, no, but the wood floors are amazing. Too much pollen? Wow, look at those trees. Wrinkles and gray hair? You haven't aged a bit.

Over the years, Miriam treated her family to delicious desserts and Cuban coffee con espumita. She had an amazing green thumb, able to grow anything and keep it alive. She played piano throughout her life and well into her 90s because, she said, it helped her arthritis and her spirits. She was fond of Ernesto Lecuona's music and classic movies, ones she said she'd missed growing up.

Her memory faltered in later years due to Alzheimer's, but she could surprise visitors by suddenly breaking into a favorite song from her youth.

Survivors include her daughter, Madeline White; stepdaughter, Irene (Jorge) Martinez; sister by marriage, Josefina Carrillo; and nieces and nephews: Maria (Kevin) Price, Nicholas (Carmen) Price, Orlando (Loren) Carrillo, Ashley (Connor) Carrillo, Roberto (Yeney) Carrillo, and Alex (Stephanie) Martinez. She also has many cousins in the United States from her mother's side and in the Canary Islands, Spain, where her father was born. She was preceded in death by her husband; brothers: Hector and Orlando; son- in-law, Rick White; and nephew, Hector Jr.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Ascension Genesys for such loving attention in the final days of Miriam's life and Father Phil Schmitter for his friendship. Also, we are indebted to the Medical Team at American House, who took wonderful care of Miriam for years. Special thanks also to Beth Schumacher, Halina Kusz, MD, and Genny Diaz.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 10am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Grand Blanc; viewing at the church before mass will be held from 9am to 10am.

In lieu of flowers, you may send memorial donations to St. Francis Prayer Center, 2381 E. Carpenter Road, Flint, MI 48505 or Holy Family Catholic Church Outreach.