Neida C. Gonzalez

Neida Carmela Leon Martinez Gonzalez was born March 29th, 1926 to Ramon Martinez and Felicia Leon in Cruces L.V., Cuba. The youngest of her thirteen siblings, and most definitely the bravest and most amazing of them all. She spent her youth in Cuba, where she met and married the love her life, and gave birth to her three children. This brave woman left her home in Cuba in 1962, immigrating to Tampa, Florida, for the sake of her family. Leaving the comfort of her home land for the chance to provide her children (and future grandchildren) with freedom and hope. This woman was the definition of brave. An example of her bravery would be her story of leaving Cuba, where among the meticulous searching by the guards on the docks of the leaving ships, Neida was brave enough to remove the diamonds from her wedding ring, wrap them in cotton, and then sew them inside her bra. Neida risked her life simply for the chance to bring those diamonds into a new land with her. Those diamonds are now in a ring, recreated to look like her original wedding band. That ring now belongs to her youngest granddaughter. Neida worked as a seamstress, and had remarkable talent as displayed by the beautiful dresses and outfits she created. But beautiful clothing was not the only thing she created. Everywhere she went she brought her love and kindness to others. She sparked inspiration and passion in those that she met, and created a sense of hope in the hearts of her family and friends. Humorous, fun loving, and kindhearted, Neida was simply the type of person that everyone loved. Despite her hardships and struggles, she always had a smile on her face, and made sure others did too. She provided those she loved with unconditional love and encouragement. A truly remarkable woman, Neida left us on May 11th, 2016, in Tampa, Florida at the grand age of ninety. Thirty-two thousand eight hundred and ninety-four glorious days to which she loved and was loved by all those around her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ramon Martinez and Felicia Leon, her twelve siblings, her loving husband, Jose Domingo German Gonzalez y Irimia and her beloved son, Jose Maxi Miliano Martinez Gonzalez. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Guillermo Martinez Gonzalez (William Savage), and her daughter Ana Maria Martinez Gonzalez, and her three grandchildren, Natasha Cassandra Savage, David Jordon Lamont, and Aya Amorean Khablawi, along with other loving relatives and friends. Neida was amongst one of the strongest, bravest, and most loving people on this Earth, no one can compare to the bravery and strength of this woman. She will be missed, but she will live on in the hearts of those who love her. Noisy Owls Oh those noisy owls, singing her to sleep, Such a beautiful melody to be heard, A little loud at times, but thats okay, They still manage to help her rest Slipping into dreamland she goes, Peacefully with the owls by her side Though as she follows their sound, Every sweet chirp and hoot seems to echo all around her, Gently leading her to her destination, Up the trail and through the woods, Stopping along the way, of course, to smell each and every flower Taking in the sights, exploring all she can, The owls continue guiding her, Singing as she makes her journey Her adventure is grand and wondrous, Full of love and memories treasured Being mindful to enjoy every little moment she gets to experience A long journey it has been now And even when walking through a dream, Eventually you always find your way home, The owls had lead her through, they've succeeded in their task, At last she has arrived, For, home is where she truly belongs, Worry free and carefree, beautiful and wise, A smile filling her face as her happiness shines bright, So to those owls, we owe our deepest thanks, For, they lead our angel home, Where she can forever enjoy their songs MY Grandma It seemed like only a moment ago When I use to watch you hem & sew. Or tending to your pots and pans As I cleaned out the leche condensada can. So now, as you lay there in this drug induced sleep I can’t help but stand by your bedside and weep. For I know that in this world there is both life and death And I dread what follows your every gasping breath. The constant drip of your I.V. Makes me increasingly angry. But I know there is nothing I can do Except say how much I love you. For HE is calling you home Like it is stated in HIS great tome. So rest peacefully in the arms of angles For we will see You, Grandpa and Max soon at one of the heavenly kitchen tables.