Gilda Maria Nissenberg

Gilda was born on March 16, 1947 in Havana, Cuba to Juana M. (née Castellanos) and Jose G. Juarez. Gilda immigrated from Cuba with her parents and younger brother in 1962, settling in New York City, NY. After graduating from high school, Gilda moved to Spain to attend university. Upon completion of her bachelor’s degree, Gilda attended the University of California at San Diego to pursue graduate studies. It was during a break from school when she returned to New York to visit her family that she first met her future husband, Paul.

Less than a year later, Gilda and Paul were married in New York City on December 17, 1971. Gilda continued to pursue her education by transitioning to a PhD in Spanish Literature at the Graduate School at the City University of New York. During her studies, Gilda and Paul welcomed the birth of their first child, Jon.

Gilda and Paul moved to Florida in 1978 followed by the conferral of Gilda’s PhD in 1979. Their second child, Marisa, joined the family soon after. Gilda and Paul resided in Hallandale Beach, FL, where they were fortunate to celebrate over 50 years of marriage.

Gilda was a dedicated and successful educator who taught for Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 25 years. She also served as a faculty trainer, curriculum developer, consultant for the College Board, and was a published author of several Spanish language grammar books, as well as a co-author of an AP Spanish prep guide.

Gilda was an active member of the community and was heavily committed to philanthropic work through her parish, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Hallandale Beach. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling, and reading.

Upon retirement, Gilda relished spending time with her grandchildren, exercising with friends at the local gym, and taking walks on the beach with Paul and their beloved dog, Max.

Gilda is survived by her husband Paul; children Jon Nissenberg (Michele) of Coral Gables, FL, and Marisa Salazar (Nestor) of Cooper City, FL; and grandchildren Mila and Lucca Salazar. She is also survived by her brother Luis Juarez (Maria), and their children Caterina, Maria Luisa, Maria Giovanna, and Maria Rosa.

A graveside service for Gilda will be held Friday, December 1, 2023 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM at Menorah Gardens & Funeral Chapels, 21100 West Griffin Road, Southwest Ranches, FL 33332. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates any donations made in Gilda’s memory to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, or to the National Aphasia Association via the following dedicated memorial page set up by her daughter-in-law, Michele Vargas: https://pages.donately.com/aphasia/fundraiser/in-memory-of-gilda-nissenberg.