Cecilia Ayarza Salivia

She was born in Bogota, Colombia on February 21, 1927 (or so we believe).

She was once married to Freddy Salivia Siebert and had three children who survive her. The youngest son, Rick, is a captain for United Airlines.

Cecilia worked in government. She arrived in Miami, FL in 1947 with a diplomatic passport to work as a secretary for the Colombian Consulate. When she retired many years later from the consular service, she began to work for the Puerto Rican government, again, as a secretary, but became the official tour guide of the Puerto Rican Senate and later became a press official for that body until retirement which accounts for her unbelievable inter-office job skills.

She was an incredibly loving mother and grandmother. She loved life and embodied the essence of perseverance. She loved to travel, was very sociable, and always had a smile to offer. She had an admirable attitude, even in adversity. She is a 45-year breast cancer survivor. She also enjoyed listening to music and writing poetry. She made a savory oven roasted chicken, a delicious rice and beans, a succulent meat and vegetable soup and a great arroz con pollo. She was very thankful that God let her live this long, and her faith carried her until the end.

The Salivia family would like to officially thank The Magnolia House, its staff and owners, especially Ms. Natalie Klepacz, for the outstanding care they provided to my mother for the last 4 and 1/2 years. We would also like to thank VPA and Dr. Ward for their invaluable services.

She will be dearly missed by her son, grandchildren, extended family members and friends. If you met and remember Cecilia, please make a prayer in her name.