Julia C. Solares

Julia Cuervo Solares was born in La Habana, Cuba on Wednesday 15 February 1928, and passed away peacefully on Sunday, 10 May 2020 – Mother’s Day. Julia was a Miami resident since 1975 and spent the last 9 years of her life as a resident at The Palace Renaissance in Kendall.

Julia was the middle daughter of Angel Cuervo and Armanda Mariño, both originally from the Asturias region in Spain, and who relocated to Cuba in the early part of the 20th century. Her dad died while Julia was young, leaving her mother Armanda to raise Julia, her older sister Carmina, and younger brother Angel.

Julia married Alberto Esteban Solares in the late 1940’s – son of Modesto Solares and Maria Dolores Rodriguez – both Spanish-born, Asturias, and the Canary Islands respectively. Julia and Alberto had five sons and daughters: Alberto Angel, Rosa Maria, Jorge Luis, Ignacio, and Ana Maria – all born in Cuba.

Like many Cubans, the Solares family emigrated to the United States – the oldest kids went first and stayed with their aunt Carmina in Miami, with Julia and her two youngest kids, Ignacio and Ana, departing Cuba on 6 May 1961. Her husband Alberto eventually joined them in Miami after the situation in Cuba was hopeless. After three years in Miami, the family relocated to San Juan, Puerto Rico to start a new life – all their belongings remained in Cuba.

The family and business prospered during the ’60s and ’70s and decided to relocate to Miami in 1975, settling in the Kendall area. As they became empty-nesters, Alberto and Julia moved to Coral Gables in 1992.

Julia, She was devoted to Mary as our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. A faithful Catholic, Julia attended mass almost daily until she could not drive any longer.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband Alberto and oldest daughter Rosa Maria. She is survived by her children Alberto, Jorge, Ignacio, Ana, 6 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, as well as her sister Carmina and brother Angel.

Due to the restrictions imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic, the family will have a private graveside service on Friday. 15 May at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Doral, FL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami.