Merida Olivera

She is proceeded in death by her beloved husband of almost 70 years. Sotero Leonides Olivera.

Merida is survived by her children Lidia Valdivia (Armando Salgado), Freddy(Chico)Olivera (Lory Fernandez) and Lisa Brooks (Nile)-her Grandchildren Adriana Hernandez(Mike), Thomas Valdivia(Gilenia) , Christina Olivera and Jacob and Emily Brooks. Her great grandchildren Gabriella, Victoria and Audrina Hernandez (Adriana), Peyton Olivera (Christina) and Sirena and Ashley Valdivia(Thomas)

Merida was born in Esperanza Las Villas, Cuba on February 3, 1933.

Merida was known for her culinary skills and especially for her famous black beans. She was known for her Saturday night dinner parties where you would find family and friends. She was blessed with a green thumb and her garden was one of her valued treasures. One of her greatest qualities was her ability to find joy and laughter in the smallest of things. Once she started laughing, it was hard for her to stop.

She will be greatly missed by all the lives she touched through her sheer love of people and hospitality.

Visitation for Merida is scheduled for Friday, April 15, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, April 16, 2022, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022, beginning at 11:30 AM, at Gonzalez Funeral Home with the committal service to follow at 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Gardens, 11005 N US HWY 301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gonzalezfuneral.com for the Olivera family.