Gladys Carmenate

Gladys Carmenate passed away at the age of 86, on Saturday, August 19, 2023, with her family by her side. Born November 24, 1936, in San Antonios de los Baños, Cuba to Eustaquio Jose Rodriguez Fabelo and Antonia ‘Cuca’ Sanchez Lopez. Together with her parents, she left Cuba in 1965 and traveled to Madrid, Spain, where they resided for a year. They came to the United States in 1966. She was loved for her generous, forgiving spirit, her ability to love unconditionally, and for always being there when we needed her.

Her childhood dream was to be a ballerina, but her lifelong dream was to be a published author. She enjoyed writing poetry. In 1987 and 1989, she was the recipient of prizes in the Enrique Jose Varona Poetry Competition in Tampa, Florida. Winning the first-place prize in poetry in both 1990 and 1998.

She is survived by her only son Robert ‘Bobby,’ his wife Jeannie, her only grand-daughter Raiza Gabrielle, her husband Jeremy, her sister Magaly ‘Ninita’ Chacon, her nephews Mario Jr. and Alex, niece Jeannette and many other grand nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by both her parents and her brother Jose ‘Tata’ Rodriguez.

A visitation for Gladys will be held Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614. A celebration of life will occur Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614. A prayer service will occur Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614. An entombment will occur Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Garden Of Memories, 4207 E LAKE AVE, TAMPA, FL 33610.

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