Dalia Elvira Mesa

Dalia E. Mesa peacefully passed away on March 1, 2012 at the age of 72. She will be remembered for her kind and loving heart, her independent and free spirit, and her perseverance and dedication to her family.

Dalia was born on January 23, 1940 in Havana, Cuba. She spent her childhood in Cuba and when she was sixteen she met Jose C. Mesa and shortly thereafter they were married. Jose and Dalia started their family in Havana and in 1967 they moved the family to Miami before permanently settling into their home on 65th Ave in Portland, Oregon.

When Jose and Dalia first arrived in Portland they both worked as manufacturers for Barker Furniture. Jose later on went to work as a welder and Dalia worked as a supervisor for 3M but Dalia’s primary and most treasured job was being a homemaker and mother for her three children.

After 39 years of marriage, Jose passed away. This was a tough time for Dalia as she missed the impromptu dancing sessions in the living room, and the day to day interactions with someone she knew so well. Dalia moved forward with her life and 16 years ago meet and fell in love with Alberto Rodriguez. They shared a special companionship and Alberto provided much caretaking and tender love and support during Dalia’s final years.

Dalia was a fearless God loving woman who always put her loved ones first. She was a steadfast supporter of her children and was constantly involved and tending to their needs when they were young. Even as adults, Dalia never left her mother role and always kept her kids close in her heart. Dalia was a good teacher and was patient but firm with her moral and ethical lessons. Dalia’s family will always remember her iconic look of wearing an apron and cooking in the kitchen. Dalia shared an intense bond with her only daughter and they shared each other’s lives through shopping trips, rose festival parades and nail appointments.

Dalia led by example. Her strong moral fiber and intense work ethic have always led her life down a respectable path. Her memory will be treasured forever.

She is survived by her companion; Alberto Rodriguez. Children; Edward (Deana) Mesa, George (Karen) Mesa, & Maria Mesa. Grandchildren; Lauren, Danielle, Matthew, Madison, Alex & Kyler. Great Grandchildren: Mariyah, Dylan & Elizabeth. She will be greatly missed by her siblings, nieces, nephews extended family and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Ross Hollywood Chapel & Killingsworth St. John's Lombard Little Chapel of the Chimes, Portland, OR.