Hi Cookie, my palooka, I'm sorry it's taken so long to write, I know its uncharacteristic of me, it's just I'm at a loss of words. My mind is still foggy and I'm dehydrated, apparently my eyes have a leak, I have cried so much I made mother nature cry and it rained all night. In a way I was procrastinating because I felt writing about missing you would make your passing real. This is so very hard to accept, this isn't the natural order of things or life. There are so many things that remind me of you, so many memories. 

I want you to know we are not mad at you, you did nothing wrong. We cry because we miss hearing, hugging, and kissing you.  We cry because you still had so many years ahead of you and many dreams to fulfill.  
Cookie today marks 31 days, by far the longest you've been away. I read this passage my friend Edwin shared with me, it was beautiful and I want to close off by copying it here for everyone to read. 

Celebrate my Life
Remember me with love and joy,
Let gratitude fill your heart.
Thankful for the time we had,
Gone...yet not apart.
If we measured life in moments,
Not in months or years,
I lived a hundred lifetimes,
Loved by all who hold me dear.
I hope you'll find your smile,
And generously speak my name.
Share stories and my heart,
Your love for life unchanged.
Celebrate the life I lived,
I will be watching from above.
I am always with you,
Sending you my light and love.

Love you Cookie
Love Dad

To Barbara and family. I am so sorry about our Karina. She was Such a pleasure and delightful young lady in our Mother Baby department. I was honored to have had her as a direct report. She was a very smart, artistic  and beautiful young woman with so much potential that she did not recognize. We had alot of good talks, laughs and yes, at times tears. She always did her work with her big smile and was kind hearted to all. I truly feel a big loss and will miss her so much. Prayers and blessings for Karina and to you all. Dee Savarino Lear former RN ANM Baptist

I met Karina 5 years ago. Time sure does fly. One moment you’re constantly in one another’s lives and the next time you double back, you realize just how long it’s been since you last spoke to one another. From crass jokes to work woes on a daily basis, to unfortunate long pauses from last replies. Karina’s intelligence, humor, tenacity and authenticity has branded onto my brain. I won’t forgot the countless times I’d call you television and you’d do a lil chortle. The times we’d stay after work in the patio and enjoy a cigarette together. The times you’d come over and give my cats scritches and scratches and we would catch a flick or an episode. The times we would complain about a customer’s ridiculous coffee order. I will miss our banter and inside jokes and gags and our mutual sardonic attitude to the world’s platitudes. You may not be here right now, but trust me when I say your impact is still felt. There’s not a lot of friends I can confidently say have known me for so little but understood me so vastly. I will miss you but I will never forget you. Thank you for blessing me with your friendship.

Karina and I used to work together at Starbucks, and was always remembered as carrying so much life and love with her. Sharing the common factor of us both being Virgos, we bonded and shared so many stories about our lives & our dreams. I’m so sorry to you & your loved ones for this loss. Karina will always stay with me in my heart and forever memorialized as a beacon of love and light, and someone I truly loved and cared for. I remember her sharing an interest for wanting to get into plants, and I remember giving her a plant one day to get her collection started. I’ll be planting a plant in her honor and keeping it alive to honor her impact on my life.

Karina, you were a true friend, an incredibly talented artist, and the funniest girl in the world. Sharp as a whip, quick with the wit and leaving a glowing trail of laughter wherever you went. Shimmer and stardust. Luster and levity. Love and lightning.

In the church, at your funeral service, the phrase “ego sum lux mundi” was engraved on the altar above Christ and below the Virgin. From the latin, this translates to “I am the light of the world”. This is true: you were a shining star whose brilliant light could simply not be contained in this world. You lit up all of our lives and you will continue to do so. I love you and I miss you.

Hey buddy. I saw you on Tuesday. I hadn’t seen you in a while. Your hair and nails looked really good. You really played the final joke on us: for once, you were early (and ready). We were all late and lachrymose.

I hadn’t seen you since before COVID. I haven’t been coming down to Miami until recent months because my mom is sick. I thought about reaching out to you but I didn’t. To say that I regret it is an immense understatement.

I try to think about all the good times because I know that’s what you would have wanted. I think about giggling like mad during classes in high school and then, continuing the chuckle-fest through online messages into the late evenings on school nights. I think about aimlessly walking around malls with no purpose, no problems. I think about picnics in the park. I think about silly notes passed back-and-forth in class, laced with your clever sketches and pretty penmanship (I wish I still had them). I think about Kayla guffawing and us reacting with shrieks and howls, laughter multiplied. In college, I think about beach bum days spent doing nothing, clocking-in a hard eight-hour shift of soaking and photosynthesizing. I think about reconciliatory nights spent out dancing until dawn, groove is in the heart. I think about times you visited me in Brooklyn, making friends with subway strangers, leaving me fearful of your whereabouts (how will I explain this one?). Plot twist: you were out all-night having a good time. Most of all, I think about you and the way that you were: laughing at nothing, smiling at everything and yet naively indignant towards the world and all of its transgressions, real or perceived. Life was not fair. Life is not fair. Especially with your farewell, don’t we all know it?

“What is grief, if not love preservering?”

❤️

To the Tellez family,

I am not family, but I had the extreme honor of preserving,dressing and cosmetizing Karina one last time and tried my best to honor your wishes for the best winged liner I have ever done. I  automatically felt a connection with her and I pray for everyone in the comments, who she has left a lasting impression with. I will always cherish her and my prayers are with everyone. 


Sincerely

Natasha Jules

Karina Dianne Tellez, or as I liked to call her my prims, meant the absolute world to me. At a young age, I looked up to Karina because she was brilliant, unique, had the cool newest toys and gaming consoles and when my brother was messing with me a bit too much, was always the first to defend me! Karina had always acted as my go-to cousin. When I was little, expressing myself was not top priority for me, but it was she who helped me open up more. No subject was off the table with her, and don’t get started on Peluquín and Peepaw. At such a young age - she was already artistic, conversational, and expressive. Girl always had the best Halloween costumes and you can see by the pictures we’ve seen over the last few days. But at a young age, when I was quiet not knowing how to socialize, Karina would sit with me and she’d ask me about school or what video games I was playing or which Pokémon cards I collected. She would challenge me with questions to get me to speak up more, and that was one of the best parts of my prima. She also had the best damn hugs!

Last year, I had two pivotal moments shared with Karina. The first time we were together was when I had returned from my time away in Tennessee. I had just moved back home with mom + dad after 2 long years that felt way longer, and I wanted to spend a night out in Miami as a welcome back. So the first text went out to mi prims, because I knew we’d have the best freaking time. Now at this point, my self-esteem was at an all time low, had gained a bunch of weight from stress being away, and just got off a terrible breakup. My cousin just allowed me to talk most of the night + express the way I’d been feeling. She was not judgmental whatsoever and I viewed her then as my safe haven.

Karina was absolutely brilliant and when you have all these great ideas + thoughts in your head, sometimes it can be too much to handle and that’s where the anxiety settles in. But she spoke with me so clearly that night, and we were under a full moon. And the stars were shining brightly. And in that moment, I felt like I was just a kid with my cousin again, staring up at the stars, just a few kids out of Westchester.

Karina…you may have left us but you never really left us. I see you now more than ever in your artwork, your elegant messages, the orchids in your backyard, the cats + Archie, and now I see you in the stars. You shine bright up there now cause you always did way down here. 

I will be looking for your star in the Cocoa Beach trip this year. Don’t be Late! We Love You

Karina and I went to a bar in Coconut Grove called Bodega and went straight upstairs to the tequila bar section. Without hesitation (because she loved the Kardashians) she told me she wanted a few shots of 818 tequila. I proceeded to order two and we cheersed to me being back in the 305 and us spending time together. When I got the bill it was $86 for 2 shots…KARINA lol. But looking back now, it was the best money ever spent prima.

The 2nd pivotal moment was our time together in Cocoa Beach for our annual family summer trip. During these trips there are 20 to 30 people that all go together between friends and the Tellez, Rato, Calderin, and Oliva families. On some of these nights, the younger adults & parents spend time on the beach at night- to catch up on life, listen to music, and just chill (without the kiddos or viejitos involved!) I remember one night, Karina and I stayed back longer than everyone else. And this time, I let her talk to me about everything under the stars. She told me about happenings in pop culture with people like Pete Davidson, Kanye West, Bad Bunny and the Kardashians. She gave me her current thoughts about Peluquín and Peepaw, and how either way it swung we were screwed. She talked about Roly + Steph + Danny Tellez. She talked about Madi + Charlie, her nieces. She talked about Pepe, and how much she missed him. She talked about Kayla and how well she was doing in all her endeavors. She talked about Austin and how great a person he is for his sister and the family. A she talked a lot a lot a lot about Wes and the 5-year plan. The point I’m trying to make in all this is… that I’m so happy the tables were reversed and Karina could view me as a safe haven to express herself.

Making the young cousins laugh and smile, like always

Karina, my babes, my loves, my doll, the list of our silly nicknames and sayings can go on, and on. To anyone else we were being sarcastic to each other it was endearing. I will always remember meeting you and you saying your name was Karina with a “K”. 
Your energy was magnetic, you can bring a group of strangers together just by being you. Your laughter was so contagious. I miss it. I miss your good morning texts in our group chat. I miss you. Thank you for everything, thank for being one of my most loving, accepting, and encouraging friends. Thank for all the late night talks at work. Thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for all the moments we shared. I will cherish them forever, honestly, truly madly deeply do. 
I love you Karicakes. 


(Karina would always say to Sasha and I: “Honestly, truly“. It was one of things the 3 of us shared. One day we found out we both liked the song “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden. Ever since then we combined the two and “Honestly, Truly, Madly, Deeply, Do” was born and we used it all the time for anything.)

❤️

Karina was notorious for being late to everything…& i mean everything. On this specific day by god knows what miracle she was actually early, so Karina took that as a sign to put gas in her car ( which she was also horrible at doing & would wait till the car was legit running on fumes) in the gas station across the street from our job. As I’m heading to work she’s texting in our chat that she’s at the gas station across the street & the pump is taking particularly long, i happen to be pulling in & also in need of gas so i decided to join her in the gas pumping moment…so i pull in i fill up my tank & karinas pump is still going, its now been about 15 mins since she started putting gas & 10 mins till she had to clock in. At this point we were both laughing cause we couldn’t believe that the one time she was early the gas pump said SIKE not today. Karina now starts going on about how she’s gonna run across the street to clock in & then come back to get her car cause if not she was gonna be late (again lol) so i said take my car, I’ll wait for the pump & then I’ll take your car. The pump stopped at exactly 9 am & so was born “pump 10” for weeks after that anytime anything or anyone was slow it was considered a “pump 10”. Karina i only wish you were as late & took as long to leave us as “pump 10” took to fill up your gas tank that day. I love you my sweet girl, thank for leaving us with so many great moments to hold on too.

Karina,
I never knew you personally, but as someone who works in the funeral home, your story impacted me the most. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting your family. Although I wish we didn't meet under these unfortunate circumstances, your family started to point out how similar we are. Your family tells me we would've been best friends...and I agree. Seeing how much your family and friends love you truly moved me. I got to hear so much about you from your family and it is so crazy how similar we are. Your sister even mentioned we use the same shampoo, isn't that so awesome? Your sister was right when she said you are everywhere. Even in the people you never knew personally, you made an indirect impact. It was pure coincidence that I was there at the right place at the right time, getting to notice all the similarities and coincidences with your family which strengthened our bond. Seeing how wonderful and welcoming your family was to me, I could imagine how amazing you are. Although you may not be physically present, your soul will always live on forever in the hearts of your family and friends. You have truly made a impact in my life and I will continue to keep your memory and legacy alive. And to the Tellez family: Thank you. Thank you for allowing me to help you celebrate such a special life. I am truly honored and moved to have met you all as a family.  Although there are never enough words to heal your pain, I wish you all peace and comfort as you continue to celebrate the life of Karina, as she lived a beautiful life. May her memory continue to be a reminder of the love and light she brought into this world. Rest in peace, Karina.

Manolo and family,
So very sorry for your loss.  My condolences and prayers to you and your family.🙏🕊️
Elia Viña Osborne

Karina was a close friend during high school and beyond. We always had the best time one upping each other saying the silliest things we could imagine. She will be missed dearly.

I'd like to share a story that I think exemplifies what was so special about her. One night, Karina arrived at my house to hang out, but there were tears in her eyes and I could tell that she was distracted. When I asked her what was wrong, she explained that as she drove under the turnpike, she heard the sound of kittens crying. She said they sounded very young; somehow, she could tell just from their cries. She was so affected by it that we went back to that turnpike underpass to look for the kitten. But the longer we searched, the less convinced I became: I began asking if she was really sure of what she had heard. She insisted, so we kept looking. Karina climbed over the barrier into the grass and searched and searched until she finally found it: a beautiful, tiny white kitten. I couldn't believe it. Then, as we were walking back to her car, we heard another cry. There was a second kitten across the street. This one was less willing to be caught, but Karina chased it back and forth, across the lawn and into prickly bushes, determined not to leave without it. She ended up rescuing two sibling kittens that night and finding them a loving home. They are now living large in Portugal.

To know Karina was to wait on Karina: I can tell you from experience, we were at least twenty minutes late to every movie we ever saw. We were even late when we won a VIP experience at a Miami Heat game. But she made every second you were with her worth the wait. She was vibrant and loud and unashamed, and she didn’t care what anyone around her might think. I can still hear her screaming at a player for the Chicago Bulls: "Eres un mama huevo!!!"

Karina was a very spiritual person. She prayed every night for me, for her family, for her friends. She gave so much of herself; I know there is not a corner of my life where she did not leave her mark.

I love you forever, meine frau schön.

I met Karina on the first day of 9th grade in Ceramics class. An artist at heart, she was drawing across the table from me. I was extremely shy and it was extraordinarily rare for me to initiate conversation with someone I didn't know, but that day I decided to ask her a question about her drawing. The rest is history: we were attached at the hip for eighteen years.

Becoming friends with Karina didn't just change my life, it changed me. She pulled me out of my shell. She gave me a sense of confidence I never had. She encouraged me to stand up for myself in ways I never would have on my own. I am literally a different person because of her influence.

Every one of us can say the same: our lives were made better by Karina's presence. There is not one person who came in contact with her who can say that she never offered them help, even if it meant overextending herself in the process. She was relentlessly selfless.

Karina had a soft spot for the vulnerable and forgotten. She would purposely choose the stuffed animal with the missing eye or the porcelain figurine with a crack down the center. She loved them because no one else would. There was a special place in her heart for children, old people, and animals. At family gatherings, she would spend hours entertaining her cousin Stephanie's young daughters, Maddy and Charlie. She would go to the market almost every day— sometimes even multiple times in one day— to make sure her grandmother had anything she needed. When she went shopping, she was always finding little things she liked for a loved one. She left proof of her love everywhere; it wasn't a holiday without a handwritten card from Karina.

Karina,
You are so missed. I know you always wanted to leave your mark - and you did. You were creative, kind, loving, bold, witty. Your spirit was vibrant, your heart was huge, you always had words of encouragement, and the loudest laugh in every room you entered. I will miss your laugh most of all. Thank you for being a friend. We love you.

Karina was a true Miami girl:  Beautiful, funny without even trying, and genuine.  She could strike up a convo with anyone! She really shined and I will always remember her that way.

Dear Barbara ,
I am so sorry for your loss . My prayers are with you and your family . May God grant you the strength  and peace to go through  this time of grief and pain . 
Love , Liz Balda

Loving you was as easy as breathing, anyone who knew you loved you.  That’s why it’s been hard to breathe since knowing we lost our fiercest advocate and most loving supporter. It’s easy to take for granted our time, but I think time with you especially since it could be a long time since we saw each other but we would pick up right back where we started. You were my birthday twin and always made me feel apart of the family. I know my heart is broken to only have had a privilege to know you for a couple years but I will treasure our time always. The tears I shed engrave your name in our hearts, our minds, and our memories.  You were a queen and will be forever still. Thank you for every smile and laughter you brought. Also that pillar of support you provided to your inner circle. We will always love you

Dear Barbie, 

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. 

Gloria Montero.

The world is a little dimmer but keep shining from above Karina. Your kindness, witty humor, and talent will live with me forever. You were part of my first graduating IB group, I can still hear your laughter and remember all the funny things you and Mateo would find on the internet (like those wigs made for dogs). You were insanely thoughtful with your art, at times deep other times making elegant social commentary. I still show them as examples to this day. But what really will be missed how much you cared for me and my family. When I was hospitalized ahead of the birth of my eldest, you saw me listed in the directory. You came to see me, called to check up after she was born, and brought me an incredibly sweet note “giving me my flowers” and congratulating me on my baby Anais. You continued to check in on us and cheered me on in my personal endeavors, the last was on March 3. I’m so heartbroken by this loss, gone too soon but never forgotten. Rest in Peace. Love, Mrs. Longueira (Longy)

Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family during this time. ~ Carmen Campos

Karina and I were online friends for years, and she was always such a light and gift to me. She was so funny, creative, spirited and original, and honestly just so cool. Her love of animals was infectious and I know her family meant the world to her, I’m sure she’s happy to be reunited with her grandparents now. I feel so lucky to have known her the way I did, to be in her life and connected to her family in my own small way, and I’m just devastated I’ll never get to meet her in real life. Sending all her loved ones comfort and the hope for peace in the future. I’ll miss you forever mams 💖

En nombre de mi familia y mi hija Cindy Medina Pabon, le damos a toda la familia de Karina, nuestro mas sentido pesame, que descanse en paz. 🙏🙏.     Luz Medina.

I didn’t know Karina personally, we met through work, she was always so wonderful to work with and talk to the few times we did. She never failed to be the silver lining or ray of sunshine. My condolences go out to Karina’s family and loved ones. Heaven has gained an incredibly sweet, kind and caring person. I will keep her and all her loved ones in my prayers through this difficult time.

I was a classmate of Karina's in high school. Over the two years in which we were both part of the newspaper staff, I admired Karina tremendously. She was so talented, so cool, wise beyond her years, and extremely funny. She had an ability to connect with anyone. My deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. She will be missed.

Karina, what a sweet spirit. Although we did not know each other long, we always had nice talks and laughs. We always teased we were middle named sisters.  ❤️🙏🏽 Blessings to your soul and God's protection and comfort to your friends and family. You are missed.

Karina was effortlessly cool in a way most people aspire to be. But more than that she was kind, so funny, loving, smart and thoughtful. She’s in so many great memories and made such a mark on us forever. I could always count on her to make me laugh, hit the dance floor first, and to give her wise karina advice. I will always miss & love her <3

We loved bowling with Karina, queen of Westchester!

Forever cool. One of my favorite photos of Karina <3

Karina was a talented photographer. Here is one of the amazing photos she captured.

Karina will always be loved and remembered as a wonderful friend. Her smile could illuminate the world, her voice immediately recognizable to those who love her, and her beautiful laughter echoed through rooms. She enjoyed dancing, storytelling, traveling, animals, family, and friendship.

We will miss you so much, Karina <3

Karina and I met in photography class in high school and became fast friends. Over the years and miles apart we stayed in touch. I am truly grateful to have been a part of her life and to have had her as a friend. She will be missed deeply.

My prima, I look back at these photos from one of the best trips of our lives and can’t help laughing and thinking about how we were fighting the majority of the time. Even though I do regret that a bit now, they do say you fight with those you love the most, and you are without a doubt one I love the most. From a time before I can even remember, you were my go to, my best friend, my favorite playing partner, and my confidant. I thank our parents and grandparents every day for the way we were raised, always together. You were more than a cousin, you were part of my core family and an integral part of my entire life. I feel blessed and extremely lucky that I got to spend precious moments with you these last couple of months, especially the day before you would get your wings and our lives would be changed forever. I promise you prims, I will carry you with me every day and any future additions to this family will know who you were. They will know the beautiful, hilariously witty, and amazingly brilliant person you were. They will hear all the stories regarding beach vacations, Europe trips, holidays, birthdays, and random weekday nights in your “office”. And I promise Karina, I will always take care of our family. Rest in paradise prima, I got our people. I love you forever and will miss you every day.

Your primo,

Roly Andrew

Thank you for being part of my life. Thank you for all the laughs, the talks, your kindness and all the fun we had. Thank you for being so supportive in all my endeavors. Thank you for being such a true friend. You were the closest to a sister that I had on this earth. May god bless you forever and onto ages of ages. Enjoy Paradise Kaweenuh.

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

It was a Wednesday night when I got the call, and yours was the last name I expected to hear. There's so much I remember of us. I remember how I loved going to the fair with you every year. I remember talking nonstop to my 2nd grade teacher about you. I remember our landline phone calls. I remember the trips. I remember the Halloweens, the Thanksgivings, the Christmases. I remember the birthdays. I remember Mario Party at abuela and abuelo's. I remember our excitement as more siblings and cousins were added to the collective. You were my first best friend, and I'll never forget how much love you had for me. If grief is a symptom of having loved, I will always love you, Karina. I hope that heaven is real, if only to have the chance to see you again.

I will look for you in all the stupid things that make me laugh. We did always love to do that, and in honor of you I won't stop now or any time soon.

Karina was such a special person with a heart of gold. She was so humble, creative, intelligent, talented, hilarious and such a supportive friend. I really admired her artistic expression. I always enjoyed her company and could talk to her about anything, from silly and light hearted convos to deep and meaningful ones. She was truly a such a joy and pleasure to be around and contributed such a special light and energy to the world. Her presence will truly be missed. I send my deepest condolences to her family and friends. I am honored and grateful to have known Karina. She will be incredibly missed. 🩷

Oh Karina, wonderful, intelligent, talented, incredible, beautiful,  kind,  Karina. You  will be missed. 

To Karina’s Family and Friends:

My heart goes out to you.  I wish you peace, love and light during this time.  She is with you always, your love is transcendent and still lives on for her forever. Look for her in the flowers. 🌸 🤍🕊️

My sweet sweet Karina, words cannot describe how much i miss you.  It’s hard to imagine a world without you in it.  Karina i will forever hold all our memories in my heart. Thank you for coming into my life, thank you for showing me a true unconditional friendship, thank you for not only loving me but for loving Julian , thank you for always just being so authentically you. I told you this once & I’ll say it again, you truly were the light in all the chaos. I love you endlessly my karicakes 🤍 till we meet again

Karina, my older cousin, meant the world to me. She was creative, brilliant, compassionate, and a great listener. This memory was a few years ago where collected diapers for Miami Diaper Bank in front of my house in West Kendall. Karina brought a car full of diapers and spent hours documenting the event. She did it purely out kindness and wanting to give back. That’s Karina just being Karina. I will miss you more than you’ll ever know prims. I will miss our long conversations about our goals and dreams. I will always love you - Cris

Karina, you were truly a better friend, daughter, sister, and peer than many of us will ever be. You deserved so much more. I wish that you are reunited with your grandparents and surrounded by love. Thank you for being so caring, selfless and giving. The world is that much emptier without you here.

Karina... i will never forget how we were trapped in Baptist together during a Hurricane and it was your birthday so we let you and your boyfriend sleep in the bathroom to have privacy. We played Cards against Humanity and laughed and laughed.  You used to tell me you wanted to be just like me when you grew up and I would laugh and say, then never grow up. Im so, so sad that you will stay forever 31. Sleep in peace with the sweetest of angels my friend. I pray your family finds comfort in their memories with you and knowing how many lives you touched.

Our beautiful Angel we love you so much, you will always live in our memories and our hearts

Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.

When my brother and I first met Karina as children she welcomed us with the coolest energy, jokes and grace. When my family was gathered in the hospital for my brother and sister-in-law as they welcomed my niece into the world in 2017, we happened to cross paths with Karina again. She continued to stop by periodically that day and celebrate in the joy with us. As of late, Karina, who I had not spoken with in years, commented on a photo of me in the ocean with a rare fish. I thought this was so sweet and warmed my heart with the same welcoming and familial energy she had given me as a child. I spent time thinking about her. The next day, I went to class with Baptist and as I was standing in the elevator I was surprised to see Karina standing beside me. She wished me well on my upcoming exam. I was excited to have a familiar face working near me and started keeping up with her instagram stories. She will be very missed. Our prayers are with you.

Our hearts are saddened by your loss, and our thoughts are with you. As your work family, we are here for you.

Barbie & Manny. We feel your pain. We are sorry for your loss. We are here for you and the family anytime day and night.  What an amazing and  caring  person .  We feel so lucky that Karina was part of our family.  Love you all. Irma & Jesus Rato🙏🏼🙏🏼

Even though we only knew each other for a few months, you were a constant ray of sunshine to our team at DTPW. I will forever remember your smile and energy. God bless your family and friends. Psalm 34:18

Karina was my best friend ever since we instantly bonded in 6th grade. We practically grew up together, stumbling our way through adolescence and young adulthood. We had recently reconnected after many years since we both somehow ended up working for the County. 

I cried when she uploaded this photo a few months ago. It was taken in my childhood room where we spent many afternoons laughing, creating, daydreaming, pining for our future as realized adults. 

Karina loved her family, her friends, and her yorkie Minnie. I take solace in knowing she's in heaven with her grandparents, who would joke around and make us amazing meals after picking us up from school. She also really loved cats, and I am sure she is surrounded by a purring cluster of cats of every size, shape, and color right now.

Rest in peace, Karina, mi amiguita. You will always be remembered for your warmth, your uniqueness, and your smile. I keep checking back on our DMs from just last week. I miss you so much already.

She was my college partner and we were such a duo. Karina was always down for ANYTHING. I can honestly say that she made life so much brighter because anytime spent with her was pure fun.

We used to carpool to North Miami for our Advertising classes. Every single car ride would be filled with laughter, singing and endless chatter.. and evidently always late to class. She defined this era for us!!

Karina was always SO proud to be Cuban and from Miami. She loved her culture and people.

Our go-to bar to catch up with friends, begin and end the night. SO SO many beautiful memories of laughter, dancing and crazy adventures.

Karina filled the room with positive energy, always so creative, loving and REAL. She knew who she was and was not shy about it. Everyday we hung out I knew would be filled with laughter. I’m incredibly sad that life got in our way and we lost touch, however I’m feeling so fortunate to have had the opportunity to have  received time in this lifetime with her. I love her and I’m so thankful for the incredible amount of beautiful memories we shared. She’s a superstar!!  A real one, and an original!

Holding you close in our thoughts ,
We offer our heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time . 
Martica and Marcos

My beautiful Karina you will be in our hearts forever.  You were and are loved so much.  Be our angel we already miss you so much.  Our lives have changed forever my Virgo girl. Be free fly high into heaven give Mami a big hug for me.  We will be together again.  Always in my heart Mimi love you

Karina took me out during Art Basel 2017. I had just moved back to Miami from California due to being incredibly sick for a while. She picked me up because I wasn’t able to drive. I don’t think I ever told her how much her kindness meant to me, especially after I had been through a traumatic event. I snapped this picture of her eating ice cream that night and have kept it on my phone all these years. She was such a supportive friend and congratulated me on graduating about 15 times last year. She was so so nice. I will miss her very much.

So very sad.  She was so lively and beautiful at the family reunion.

Barbie, I am so sorry for your loss and want you to know I am here for you! I feel blessed to have met your beautiful daughter. I am praying for you and your family that the Lord give you strength to endure this unimaginable loss. Sending my love to you!

OBITUARY

Karina Dianne Tellez

September 9, 1992 – March 5, 2024

Caballero Rivero Westchester

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