Delfina Martinez Blanco

As a young child, she played in the school band, loved to roller skate, and horseback ride. After completing high school, she was awarded a scholarship to attend the University of Havana. This was a dream of hers, but unfortunately, this was denied by her mother. She found a new passion after attending a local baking school. Shortly after, as a young adult she found work at the Hotel of Cuco Botana and Hotel Santa Rica. Here she perfected her cooking and baking skills along with presentation serving the international hunters at the lodge, many were from America.

At the age of 21 in 1952, she married Vertigo Blanco, after meeting at a local Pinero town dance. She became a mother to Carlos “Ottoniel” and Daniel “Nelson”. It was not until her days in the U.S. she would give birth to her daughter, Clarivel. In 1962, her older sister, Delia and her late husband, Pepe Copa, were instrumental in getting the Blanco family out of Cuba during the turmoil of the revolution. They began their life in the U.S. with much support from Pepe and Delia, living just blocks away. The two families grew up together, till the day of her death, as siblings, the Blanco’s and the Copa’s. During her early time in the U.S., she worked as a housekeeper and attended night school to learn the English language, which she mastered well. Her and Vertigo were able to live the American dream for 58 years.

In 1983, she left on a shrimp boat, part of the Mariel Lift, to bring her late and beloved father and younger sister, Dulce back to the US. Later she was able to bring her niece, Barbarita and her daughter Uleidys. This filled a portion of her heart; leaving only the absence of her late mother.

Delfina enjoyed dancing, her music, and gardening, but most of all she loved to cook for the extended family. It gave her great joy when the grandchildren and her children were in attendance. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Vertigo. She is survived by her three children and their spouses; Carlos and Ximena Blanco, Daniel and Linda Blanco, and Clarivel Blanco-Corbett. Also survived by her eight grandchildren; Sierra Blanco-Goswellen, Daniel Blanco, Alexandria Corbett, Brittany Blanco, Jessica Corbett, Carolina Blanco, Diego and Luciana Vergara. She preceded in death her younger sister, Dulce Maria, and her parents, Serafina and Carlixto.

As the years passed, Delfina struggled with mental illness and chronic pain. Her sister, Delia remained a constant to Delfina until her last breath. Delia's daughter, Maria del Carmen, also became instrumental in Delfina's daily caregiving through the past years, as well as Delfina's adult children.

She brought us joy in her cooking and dancing. Delfina Martinez Blanco was loved by many and can never be replaced.