Martha "Mimi" Alonso

Martha married the love of her life, Julio C. Alonso, on February 8, 1969. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to devotion, resilience, and faith. Together they began their family in Cuba, but as the shadow of communism grew, they made the courageous decision to flee in search of freedom. Leaving behind everything they knew—including Martha’s beloved mother, Gladys, whom she would heartbreakingly never see again—they escaped the tyranny of the regime. Though Martha held tightly to hope, Gladys later passed away in Cuba, a sorrow Martha carried quietly but faithfully, trusting that God would one day reunite them.

In 1971, Martha and Julio journeyed to Spain, and by 1974 they fulfilled their dream of beginning a new life in the United States, eventually settling in West New York, New Jersey. Their story was one of sacrifice, courage, and unshakeable hope.

In 1990, Martha moved to Palm Coast, longing for a peaceful place where faith and family could flourish. There, she discovered not only a home but a community that came to adore her. She was deeply nourished by her parish, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, and joyfully served as a member of the “Sal y Luz” prayer group. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her words, her actions, and the boundless love she shared.

Martha’s greatest joy was found in children. She poured her whole heart into her vocation as a preschool teacher at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, where her tender spirit, patience, and genuine affection shaped the lives of countless little ones. She had a remarkable gift for lighting up a room with her radiant smile—one that instantly put children and adults alike at ease. Teaching was more than her profession; it was a reflection of her soul.

Those who knew Martha remember her for her generosity, her kindness, and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and cherished. Her home was a place of warmth and comfort, filled with laughter and the aroma of her delicious Cuban cooking—one of the many ways she showed love. Even as dementia slowly touched her memory, her eyes still sparkled and her face brightened whenever a child walked into the room. Her nurturing heart was something time could not take from her.

Martha is survived by her devoted son, Julio, and his wife, Vanessa Alonso; her treasured grandchildren, Isabella Jolie and Julio Andres Alonso; and her dear brother, Joaquin Miranda.

She will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her extraordinary courage, her luminous smile, and her deep, tender love for her family and for everyone blessed to know her. Though she will be profoundly missed, her light will continue to shine in the hearts of all whose lives she touched.