DORINDA O. FERNANDEZ's Obituary
Our beautiful and beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend, Dorinda Fernandez, known to all as Dora, passed away peacefully April 10th, 2016. She was 104 and enjoyed a very blessed and fulfilled life. Born January 6, 1912 in Havana, Cuba, her younger life was spirited and free, riding horses on the beach and camping in the mountains.
She fell in love with childhood friend, Antonio Fernandez, and they married in 1939, beginning a long and loving marriage that was an inspiration to all who knew them. Their children Tony, Silvia and Nestor were born in Cuba and the family moved to the states where Antonio was an acclaimed jockey, racing thoroughbred horses at racetracks in the Northeast, Midwest, and Florida. When he retired from racing, the family settled in Miami, Florida, and Antonio became a partner in a small coffee business, Bustelo Coffee. The business grew and after 15 years he retired again, this time to enjoy his retirement with Dora and the family. They were very active in St. Dominic’s parish in Miami.
This September 30 will be the 30th anniversary of Antonio’s sudden passing in 1986, an event that Dora at the time, characterized as “Having to learn to walk again.” And she bravely did. She never remarried and remained in the house they bought in 1952, continuing to help at church and enjoying her growing extended family and traveling.
Dora was blessed with 3 grandchildren; Stephanie Fernandez, Samantha Balsam and Ali Hoeffer and with 2 wonderful great-grandchildren; Olivia and Mila Hoeffer. Other immediate family members include Silvia’s husband Peter Balsam, Nestor’s wife Karlette Fernandez, Stephanie’s husband Mark Amuso and Ali’s Husband Adam Hoeffer.
Dora was a loving, strong and funny woman with a great sense of humor and infectious laugh. Her entire extended family shares many happy memories, proudly marveling at her grace and vibrant energy at the incredible age of 104.
Dora’s passing is our painful loss and she will be dearly missed. But we celebrate her incredible life, and take comfort in her eternal rest – and reunion with her beloved Antonio.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a contribution to Catholic Hospice of Miami who lovingly took care of Dora.
Catholic Hospice
14875 NW 77th Ave, #100 Miami, FL 33014 • (305) 822-2380
[email protected]
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