Maria "Mima" Vazquez

Maria Nuñez Vazquez, age 91, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. Maria was born in Artemisa, Cuba on March 18, 1930 to the late Alfredo Nuñez and Maria Martina Diaz; she was also preceded in death by her husband of 51 remarkable years, Ricardo Vazquez, Sr.; her sisters, Carla Nuñez, Angela Nuñez, and Migdalia Nuñez; her brothers, Evelio Nuñez, Elio Nuñez, Abelardo Nuñez, and Rodolfo Nuñez; and her son-in-law, Valentin Gomez.

She is survived by her daughters, Celestina V. Aiena (Peter) and Alicia V. Gomez; her son, Ricardo Vazquez Jr.; sisters, Balbina Nuñez and Hilda Mena; grandchildren, Michael Aiena, Michelle Aiena, Matthew Aiena (Susan), Ricardo Vazquez, III, Eryka Vazquez, and Alyssa Vazquez; and many nieces and nephews.

Maria, “Mima” or “Yegua Fuerte” to her preferred one, was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She dearly loved her family and defended them with uñas y dientes. She was a great cook and loved making tamales, dulce de naranjas, buñuelos, empanadas, and all other Cuban dishes that have become a lost art. She looked forward to her birthday parties every year with mariachis and sangria. Maria enjoyed trips to the casino; soaking in the sun with her compadre, Dixie; and beating her family at barajas. She may no longer be with us, but La Leyenda leaves behind many cherished memories.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass to be held in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. in New Orleans, on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at 2:00PM. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 12:00PM. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery at All Saints Mausoleum.

The family invites you to express your fond thoughts and condolences online at lakelawnmetairie.com.