Maria de la Torre

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marita de la Torre, who left us peacefully on May 20, 2024, at the age of 98. Marita was born in Brussels, Belgium in 1926, and moved to Cuba at the age of 4.

While in Cuba during Castro’s takeover in 1959, Marita displayed her signature strength and courage. She hid her father (Oscar Jose de la Torre, who had served as Ambassador from Cuba to Mexico under President Batista) in her apartment. Young soldiers came looking for her father, and Marita yelled that they were disturbing her small children, thereby keeping the soldiers from entering the room where her father was hidden.

In the early 1960s, she embarked on a new chapter, relocating to the United States. A fluent speaker of French, Spanish, and English, Marita brought her experience with the airlines in Cuba to the U.S. and dedicated many years of service to both TWA and Mexicana Airlines. She had a passion for travel and took extraordinary joy in visiting destinations throughout the world.

Marita's legacy is woven intricately with her unwavering love for her family. Though she now joins her beloved daughters, Dulce Maria, and Carolina Alicia, who preceded her in death, her devotion to them remains a testament to her boundless capacity for love and sacrifice.

In addition to her daughters, Marita is preceded in death by her husband, Evelio Garcia Sierra, her parents, Oscar and Alicia de la Torre, her brother Alberto de la Torre, her sister, Mercedes (Mimi) Gelpi, (and Mimi’s husband Antonio Gelpi), and her nephew Tony Gelpi.

Marita's family includes a vast network of nieces and nephews including Oscar Gelpi and his wife Lynda, along with their daughters Samantha and Megan Gelpi. Cristina Gudor and her husband Rob Gudor. Alberto de la Torre and his wife Tammy Green, along with Alberto’s children, Rachael, Ethan, and Kyle de la Torre. Oscar de la Torre, along with his children Joey and Beckett de la Torre. Victoria de la Torre and her husband Edward Deitrich, along with their children Philip Dietrich and Isabella Dietrich. Mimi Robinson, along with her children Russell Robinson and Rebecca Robinson. Adam de la Torre and his wife Amanda de la Torre along with their children, Olivia, Lewie, Aidan, and Calais, and Jessica de la Torre and her husband Ramit Suri. And Marita’s sister-in-law Valerie de la Torre. Their lives are forever enriched by her presence, and her memory will continue to be a source of comfort and inspiration in the days ahead.

In addition, Marita has a close circle of friends including her lifelong friendship with Georgette Stille - her cherished confidante and kindred spirit. Georgette's unwavering companionship provided solace and joy, enriching Marita's days with laughter, shared adventures, and profound camaraderie. In recent years, Georgette's steadfast support became a beacon of strength and support for Marita. And her dear friend and neighbor, Nancy, who was always present to assist Marita in whatever she needed.

Marita had a special bond with her beloved cat, Boo-Boo, whose loyal companionship brought her immeasurable joy and comfort throughout the years.

As we mourn her passing, let us also celebrate the extraordinary life she lived and the profound impact she had on all who had the privilege of knowing her. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who had the honor of calling you friend, aunt, and beloved companion.

A committal service for Maria will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 2:30 PM at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn North, 3260 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135.