Martha P. Jimenez

Tia Martha had a joyful heart and a vibrant spirit. Her hugs were warm and tight, and her smile welcoming. She was always the life of the party. She cherished her family and friends and had a deep affection for every dog and cat she cared for, from her own to strays that somehow found their way to her. Her room was filled with memories, pictures of family, and all the furry companions she had throughout her life.

Tia was like a second mom to her nieces, Alina and Ivonne. She was the fun aunt who always cared for them and took them to movies, fairs, and even bought them things their parents had said no to. Through her joyful spirit and thoughtful actions, Tia taught Alina and Ivonne the valuable lesson to embrace life fully and savor every moment.

Born in Santiago de Cuba in 1937, she left her beloved island soon after the revolution in the 1960s, finding a new home in the United States. Her family followed shortly after. Her first job in the States was working at a tomato-packing farm. She often shared how cramped the space was and the long hours endured. She relocated to New Orleans, a city she grew to adore, and became a pathologist.

Tia enjoyed a long, fulfilling career conducting research for Louisiana State University and later at the University of Miami. She wore her white lab coat, with her name stitched across it, with pride.

Her life was filled with travel, exploration and laughter. She traveled the world, including several trips to Africa, Egypt and Spain. In Miami, she shared a home with her brother and sister-in-law, Gisela, who was like a sister to her. They shared their love of shopping and entertainment. They nurtured a welcoming home, where friends would often come by, always to find food and Tia’s favorite, Johnny Walker Red, ready for some conversations and laughs.

In her passing, Tia Martha joins her parents, Manuel Perez Nunez and Manuela Perez Arias, and brother, Manuel Arias Perez, in eternal life. She is survived by Gisela Perez, her niece Alina Blanco and her husband Alfonso Blanco and their daughters Allyson and her wife Haley, Lauren, Amanda and Gian Scott and her grandnephew Shane Scott. Her niece Ivonne and her husband Alex Perez and their children, Jordan and Aaliyah. Her niece in Cuba, Ingrid Perez Martinez and her daughter Ingrid Soca and son Vainel Soca Perez.

While she is physically gone, Tia’s vibrant spirit, boundless love, and deep compassion and love of four-legged companions lives on through all who loved her. Her family and friends celebrate her life, holding the love and joyfulness she gave so freely in their hearts.

A mass and celebration of life service for Martha P. Jimenez will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 9th, 2025, at St. Catherine of Siena, 9200 SW 107 Ave, Miami, Florida 33176.