Dalia J. Mesa

Dalia Josefina Mesa was born August 27th 1940 in La Habana, Cuba. She was the only child of Miguel Delgado and Andrea Prado Delgado. From an early age Dalia demonstrated great talent in music. She sang and began playing the piano taking formal lessons in classical piano. She graduated with her piano degree and graced us all with her talent at home and in church, where she sang in choir and played piano and organ.

Dalia also demonstrated a love of books, learning, as well as a strong faith. She attended La Inmaculada Catholic high School in Cuba and excelled in all her academic endeavors. Through her studies she developed lasting friendships that she would enjoy throughout her lifetime.

After high school, Dalia began her studies at Santo Tomás de Villanueva University in La Habana. Although her intention was to study medicine, the newly established Communist regime prohibited students from studying what they wished. She began studying business and eventually left the island as a political exile to live in Miami when it was evident the Cubans would never enjoy the freedoms they had enjoyed before.

Upon arriving in Miami, Florida Dalia began studying at the University of Miami and worked part-time jobs to support herself and her mother. She was separated from her father for approximately one year while he remained in Cuba hoping that the political system would change.

After Dalia and her mother reunited with Dalia's father in Miami, they decided to relocate to Los Angeles where they would have better opportunities. It was in Los Angeles, that she met the one and only love of her life, Manuel Gonzalo Mesa. Within one year the two married and thereafter had three children, Manuel Arthur, Dalia Rosa and Michael Andrew.

Although she had placed her studies on hold to raise a family, Dalia attended UCLA and Mount Saint Mary’s College before having to relocate again back to Miami.

In Miami, she returned to the University of Miami and graduated with a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education. She began working in the Miami-Dade County School system where she remained for over 30 years. Through her work in the school system, she counseled numerous students helping them decide their career paths. She received awards from the United States Navy, the United States Army, United States Marine Corps, and the United States Air Force for her assistance in bringing students to the military. She also helped numerous students apply and be accepted to universities across America.

In addition to her substantial work in her profession, she was a devout woman of the church. She became active in the Episcopal Church of the United States, where she served and attended the National Convention of the Episcopal Church on numerous occasions, serving in various capacities. From work as a delegate to working as a simultaneous translator, Dalia demonstrated the highest work ethic and dedication to her faith and church. She attended a Christian Cursillo in the early 1970s and commenced a life-long effort hand in hand with her husband to spread the word of God. She organized and led numerous Cursillos including in Honduras.

Dalia was a proud Republican, always working to protect the fundamental rights recognized and protected by the United States Constitution. She was a die hard American who loved this country very deeply. She instilled her love of country and freedom in her children and grandchildren.

Forever a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandmother Dalia doted on her family until the very day the Lord called on her to be with him. Dalia is survived by her children Manuel Arthur Mesa, Dalia Rosa Giunta, William R, Giunta, Michael Andrew Mesa, Katherine P. Mesa, her grandchildren William Christopher Giunta, Katerina Elise Mesa, Michael Alexander Giunta, Michelle Marie Mesa, Manuel Aleksandur Mesa, Melanie Dalia Giunta, Lauren Elizabeth Mesa, Michael Andrés Mesa, and Elizabeth Grace Giunta. We pray and take comfort in knowing that Dalia has been reunited with her love Manolo in the glory of God. We love you Yeye. May the Lord bless your soul in eternity.