Irma E. Bashaw

Irma was born on September 21, 1939 in Florida Camaguey, Cuba.

Irma was known to her family and friends as, Eliza, which was her middle name. She was the heart of her family and exemplified the true meaning of generosity. She was a Christian woman with unwavering faith. Even in the most difficult circumstances, she trusted in Jesus Christ. She was a devoted mother grandmother and great grandmother. She shared her life with many of her nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly. It is important to her daughters to acknowledge their mother's wisdom and life lessons which have molded the women they have become. They intend to continue in her foot steps. They loved their mother with all of their hearts and nothing will ever change that. Her granddaughter, Alexandra, shares these same sentiments. She was her only granddaughter and her precious little girl.

She treasured her grandchildren and her great grandchild. During her lifetime, she played an important part in their lives. She was fortunate to be able to care for them, travel with them and to make many special memories together. In turn, they adored her and will miss her greatly.

She had a special relationship with her son-in-law whom she loved as a son. He loved and took care of her. In his eyes, she was very much a mother.

Eliza was an exceptional human being. She had Polio as a young child and lost the ability to walk. She wrote letters to the First Lady of Cuba (President Batista) asking her for help so she could walk. Incredibly, she received a reply. She was moved to a hospital in Havana when she was 14. Havana was far from her family, but she courageously made the journey alone. She endured years of living in the hospital and countless surgeries. She fought hard for the ability to walk and after several years she proudly walked out of that hospital on her own . Her dreams had become a reality.

She made this world a better place with her warm smile and her beautiful bright green eyes. She was fun loving and a gifted cook. She found so much joy in preparing a feast or a small meal . It was her way of demonstrating her love. She and her family came to the US from Cuba in 1971, but she never forgot those left behind. She made several mission trips to Cuba to help those less fortunate. She helped many nieces and nephews visit or immigrate to the US. She loved her homeland but she was a proud US citizen.

Giving to others and helping others, overseas and in the US was her life’s purpose. She was always genuine and humble. She left a little bit of goodness wherever she went. She will be missed by all who knew her. We will honor her by continuing to help others and to always be our best selves. We take comfort in the promise of being reunited with her someday.

Irma is survived by her siblings, Pedro Machado and Hilda Carames; her daughters and son-in-law, Elizabeth Gonzalez and Alicia and Paul Hoover; her grandchildren, Leonardo Galan, Jacob Hoover and Andrew Hoover; her great grandchildren, Lorenzo Galan and Alexandra Gonzalez. Many loving nieces and nephews.

Irma's family honored her life in a private gathering.

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Irma, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of her obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com