Maria Dolores Bejar's Obituary
Maria Dolores Bejar, age 86, will be remembered with love long after her passing in Miami on
Sunday, October 16th 2022. Born in La Palma, Pinar del Río, Cuba, she was one of seven
siblings. She graduated Nursing School in La Habana with her best friend Elena in 1958 where
she also met and married the love of her life, Dr. Rafael Luis Bejar. As a result of the Castro
Revolution, she left her family, friends and life in Cuba in 1960, to come to the United States of
America with her husband to find freedom and forge a better life. In those early years she
dedicated herself to working as a nurse in Tennessee and in Texas and perfecting her English,
while her husband continued his medical specializations. While in Texas, she gave birth to two
children Rafael and Ana. Her third child, Elizabeth, was born in Pennsylvania while the family
was stationed at The Valley Forge U.S. Army Medical Hospital. In the late 1960’s, the family
relocated to Miami, Florida. Maria enjoyed cooking, traveling, going to the theater and
collecting antiques. Most of all, Maria enjoyed the simplest pleasures in life, mostly the
company of her family and friends, passing the time visiting, telling stories and drinking her
occasional "vinito.” In addition to her children, she is survived by her grandchildren Andre,
Isabella and Máximo, her daughter-in-law Hayat, sons-in-law Andre and Lucho, her beloved
chihuahua Pixie, her two siblings Govelio and Veronica Gonzalez and several nieces and
nephews. Her family and friends celebrate her wonderful life and cherish her memory.
What’s your fondest memory of Maria?
What’s a lesson you learned from Maria?
Share a story where Maria's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Maria you’ll never forget.
How did Maria make you smile?