Dora Minaya

Dora was born and raised in Oruro, Bolivia. She began her teaching career at the age of 20 and became a respected elementary teacher. She was proud to teach at the Anglo Americano School of Oruro, a highly regarded school in the country.

In 1963, Dora moved to the United States with her husband, Duilio Ernesto Minaya, and their two children, Marianela and Guido. As her family adjusted to a new country and a new life, Dora devoted herself to her home and to helping her children transition and thrive. In 1965, she taught Spanish at St. Patrick School, sharing both language and culture with her students.

Dora was a devout Catholic whose faith shaped the way she lived and served others. She was active in the Christian Mothers Association at St. Patrick’s Church in Canonsburg, PA. Over the years, she also cared for many children through her daycare services, first in Washington, Pennsylvania and later in Cape Coral, FL. Her steady presence, patience, and warmth were felt by countless families who trusted her with what mattered most.

Dora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Duilio Ernesto Minaya; her mother, Carmen Arzabe and father, Dario Arzabe. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Hugo and Alex, and her sisters, Julieta, Maruja, Toly, Arminda, Hortensia, and Irma.

She is survived by her brother, Eduardo, and her sister, Nancy; her daughter, Marianela Scarsellato and her husband Ronald Klebart, of Cape Coral, Florida; and her son, Guido Minaya and his wife Susan, of Cape Coral, Florida. Dora was the beloved grandmother of Ian Scarsellato and his wife Kristen, Bianca Preston and her husband Jeff, Paloma Tweet and her husband Adam, Dario Minaya and his wife Kelly, Mike Klebart and his wife Kim, and Damien Klebart and his wife Christy. She was also the proud great grandmother of nine great grandchildren, Kayla, Nathan, Kayden, Harper, Adela, Eliana, Gavin, Ian, and Kaleb.

Dora will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and as a woman of faith who lived with dignity, strength, and deep love for her family.

A service and burial will be held at a St. Andrew Catholic Church in Cape Coral, FL on January 31st at 10:30am. A Celebration of Life will follow at Minaya home at 2271 SE 27th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL. If you would like to send a flowers, or a gift to the Minaya Family Scholarship Fund, please contact Guido Minaya at [email protected]. The family appreciates your prayers and support.