Carmen Gabino

She leaves her son, Santiago Gabino and his wife, Mercy; her sister, Aida Olalde; her four grandchildren, Santiago Jr., Kelsey Anne, Shelby Elizabeth, and Stephen Christopher, along with close friends and family.

Born in August in the Portuguese city of Porto to Arturo and Nora Loynaz, “Carmita”, along with her four sisters and brother, lived in various cities of the world. As the daughter of a diplomat, however, her birth is registered as December 13, 1924 in Havana, Cuba. She lived a life full of civility and classical formalism. Carmita’s upbringing resulted in her learning and fluently speaking four languages, fortifying her grace and determination.

When forced to flee Cuba in the 1960’s, Carmita’s first point of arrival in the United States was Miami, Fl. Shortly after, along with her son, husband, and mother in law, she moved to New York City. When the New York winters proved to be too harsh for them, she decided to return to Miami and join the rest of her family. It was here that she got a job at Miami’s ever-popular, Zayre department store. She continued her employment there for over thirty years, her charismatic and gracious demeanor shining through as she often won employee of the month and year.

Carmita took pride in her career, but above all else, she took pride in providing for her son and raising him the best she could. When not working, one could almost always find Carmita cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Few things meant more to her than cooking for her family.

In her beautiful ninety-two years of life, Carmita was a true example of elegance and compassion. She lived her life to help and serve others, leaving all those who knew her with beautiful and unforgettable memories in their hearts and souls.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, 11655 S.W. 117 Avenue, Miami, FL from 5- 11 p.m.

direction of Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South, MIAMI, FL.