Dignora C Calderon

Dignora was born on September 25, 1936, to parents Carlos Ochoa and Cecilia Calderon Figueredo in Cuba. Her parents and siblings excitedly await her with open arms as they reunite in the heavens.

Our queen (La Reina) lived a life of hard work and sacrifice for every and anyone around us. From working at the sewing factories, Tootsie Roll Factory in Chicago, fixing appliances for the Sama businesses, Montgomery Ward, Jefferson, housekeeping, and owning her own cleaning service, there was absolutely nothing that Dignora would not do to provide for her family. Working as a seamstress making dresses, costumes, and suits for those in the entertainment industry from the early age of 12 years old was her passion and something that she enjoyed until her very end.

At age 18, Dignora met and married the love of her life Pedro Sama. Dignora and Pedro went on to have 6 children: Hildelisa Irene, Maria Elena, Gaudalupe De La Caridad, Cecilia Elisa, Patricia Indie, and Martha Christina. Dignora helped to raise her stepchildren David, Sochi, and Mercedes, along with nurturing and taking care of countless nephews, nieces, and cousins alongside her own children. The life and love she shared is a testament to God’s love and acceptance for each and every one of his children.

In 2001, Dignora retired and spent her time caring for her grandchildren. For the past 11 years she has resided in Valrico, FL with family and has been showered with love and attention from all her six daughters, fifteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, family, and friends. She was well loved. Her hobbies included word search puzzles and puzzle portraits that she would frame and gift to family. She loved listening to Marc Anthony and going to his concerts. Orchids and Bamboos were her favorite plants and Lilies were her favorite flowers to receive. Elephants were her spirit animal and carry the traits which she is recognized for: intelligence, complexity, deep emotion, compassion, self-awareness, loyalty and the ability to never forget a thing.

Services will be held at Hillsborough Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 2323 West Brandon Blvd Brandon, Fl 33511 on August 7 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cancer Research at Moffitt Cancer Center Tampa, FL, an organization Dignora felt strongly about as a cancer survivor.

Thank you all for your support during this time!

A visitation for Dignora will be held Monday, August 7, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HillsboroMemorial.com for the Calderon family.