Miriam Z. Goderich

Miriam Zayas Goderich was born in Santiago de Cuba on December 6, 1938. She was the middle daughter of Virgilio Zayas and Ena Arencibia. Having lost her father at the age of 7, she and her two sisters lived with their mother and a large extended family. Miriam was studious and hardworking and she received a degree in accounting from the Escuela de Comercio. After graduating, she worked for several years at the Ministry of Transportation.

In 1965, Miriam married Enrique Goderich and they soon welcomed their daughter Miriam del Carmen. As the political situation in Cuba continued to deteriorate, Miriam and Enrique decided to seek political asylum in the United States with their daughter. They spent two and a half years in Spain prior to emigrating to Miami, where the family settled permanently. There, she put her background in accounting to good use, working as a bookkeeper at an accounting firm until her retirement.

Miriam was an extraordinary person. She was beautiful, kind, funny, and fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and a fantastic dancer. She was forward thinking and encouraged her daughter to pursue a fulfilling career. She was creative and curious. She loved to travel but was also a homebody. She loved reading and conversation and she had a sly sense of humor. She was a devoted wife to Enrique, a truly exceptional mother, and a delightful and energetic grandmother.

Miriam is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, her daughter Miriam and son-in-law James, her grandson Henry, and step-granddaughter Jessa. Her memory will be a blessing to all who loved her and whom she loved.