Ana María Basas Hernández, 101, went home to the Lord on May 15, 2018. Born in Havana, Cuba on July 26, 1916, she was the daughter of Enrique Basas and América Mariño. She moved to Santiago, Cuba as a child, where she made many friends and lived until she came to the US. A selfless person, she was always the light and life of her family and any gathering with friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Nestor Hernández, sister María Basas, and by her first child, a daughter, who was stillborn. She is survived by sons Nestor (Ingrid), Enrique (Carmen) and Leo Hernández, daughter Ana Maria Bacallao (Mario), nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was known to all she touched for her kindness, gregarious nature, zest for life and devotion to family. She spoiled her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she could. She was also courageous, sending her children to the United States in 1961, to escape Castro’s tyranny. Fortunately, she was able to reunite with them a few months later. After she left Cuba, she settled in New York City, where her husband was a physical plant manager at Columbia University. In 1973, she moved to Miami. A very talented seamstress, she sewed for those she loved and some lucky customers. She was also an amazing cook. Everyone loved her meals and her arroz con leche. She lived a long and independent life, doting on her family. Never a feeble or frail woman in advanced age, in 2009, she suffered a devastating fall and was moved to St. Anne’s Nursing Center in South Dade, where she truly received exceptional care. It was not an end of life status she or her family ever wanted, but she required round the clock care. Even in a state of reduced physical activity and faculties, she still had some lucid days and quickly won the hearts of the entire team at the facility. She was a longtime resident and one of a few centenarians at St. Anne’s. We are forever indebted to Yusi Lopez, her private caretaker for her many years of devotion and care, we couldn’t have done it without her. The family thanks Corinne, Ilka, Melana, Michelene, Carmen and others at St. Anne’s for the loving and exceptional care she received. Services will be held on May 18, 2018, from 6p.m. to 11 p.m., at Caballero Rivero Funeral Home located at 8200 Bird Road. Burial will follow on May 19, at 11:30 a.m., at Miami Memorial Park, 6200 SW 77 Avenue, Miami. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made in her memory to St. Anne’s Nursing Center, 11855 Quail Roost Dr., Miami, FL 33177.
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