Josefina "Fifi" Lopez-Ona

Josefina (Fifi) Lopez-Ona passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 12, 2024 at the age of 94. Born in Havana, Cuba on November 5, 1929 to the late Angela Elvira Machado and Jose Emilio Obregon, Fifi was predeceased by her sister, Maria Obregon de Suarez of Miami, Florida. She is survived by her dearly loved husband of almost 70 years, Johnny; her four children: Maria Teresa, John (Jackie Knowlton), Anthony (Kim Fischer), and Cristina (Paul Kovarick); and her 9 grandchildren: Emilia, Johnny, Mariana, Claudia, Gabriella, Marissa, Anna, Lauren, and Casey.

Fifi was born in Havana’s Presidential Palace while her grandfather, Gerardo Machado, was President of the Republic. Due to political upheaval, her family left Cuba in 1933 and moved to New York City where Fifi and her sister attended and graduated from the Convent of the Sacred Heart. A voracious reader with a love for and exceptional knowledge of art and history, Fifi excelled in school and cherished the experiences and friendships she cultivated there. A devout Catholic, her devotion to her faith provided her with strength and guidance throughout her life.

In 1947, Fifi returned to Havana where, in 1954, she married Johnny Lopez-Ona. They lived in Havana until 1961 when the family emigrated to America, first to New York City and then to Philadelphia where they lived on the Main Line for over 20 years. She was fond of her time in the area where she embraced her role as mother and homemaker; made many friends; tried her hand at selling real estate; and often took art classes, exploring her many creative talents and passions. Fifi’s artistic talents were evident in everything that she did. In 1986, she and Johnny moved to West Palm Beach where they enjoyed living close to a large extended community of friends and family. During her time there, Fifi became involved with New Hope Charities and played a part in putting out an award-winning community cookbook, “De Nuestra Mesa,” a treasury of recipes with a common heritage from Spain and the countries of Latin America that were contributed by friends of New Hope Charities to benefit the poor of South Florida. One of the endearing features of the cookbook was the series of anecdotes that accompanied each of the recipes which were all written by Fifi in her very charming and personal style. In 2017, Fifi and Johnny returned to the Main Line to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Fifi's life was marked by profound experiences, particularly shaped by the challenges of having to emigrate from Cuba for political reasons not just once but twice. She valued family above all else, and to preserve the precious memories and experiences of her life, she proudly gathered them into a small book titled "Before I Forget." This memoir written in her lyrical style was her way of ensuring that the stories, lessons, and rich history of her life would be passed down to future generations, providing her children, grandchildren, and extended family with a lasting connection to their heritage. As Fifi wrote in the prologue, the book was written “to preserve from forgetfulness those you have loved.” Fifi will be remembered with love by her family and all who knew her; she leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and kindness and her absence will be deeply felt.

The family would like to acknowledge with gratitude the staff at Daylesford Crossing Senior Living Community for their care of Fifi and continuing care of Johnny.

All services are at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Fifi’s memory to either

New Hope Charities [https://newhopecharities.org/donate/], or The Society of the Holy Child Jesus (https://www.shcj.org/american/donate/).