JUANA MARIA MARCOS

January 3, 1936 - March 24, 2024

Juana Maria Marcos (née Amigo) was born in Matanzas, Cuba on January 3, 1936. She passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024, at the age of 88, surrounded by loved ones.

Juana was the eldest of six children of her father, Jose Luis Amigo, a delegate of Cuba’s National Federation of Sugar Workers, and her mother, Balbina Armenteros, a housewife. Always a family-oriented girl, Juana helped to raise her sister and brothers.

After the Amigos moved to Havana, she met Lino Marcos, a construction worker. They fell in love, and two years later, they wed. They remained married for 64 years, until his death.

When the political situation in Cuba shifted, the family emigrated to the United States. Despite the difficulties of leaving home and relatives, they made the necessary sacrifices to give their children a life of freedom and better opportunities.

Juana went to work right away to help support the family. Although her career evolved through the years, she eventually retired from the flower import industry. She was also successful as an Avon saleswoman, receiving President’s Club awards nearly every year of her membership.

Juana was passionate about the performing arts: she loved live theatre, knew thousands of songs by heart, and wrote beautiful poetry. Yet of all her passions, her six children were her greatest delight. She was a devoted mother who was deeply involved in her children’s lives, and made sure they grew in the love of the Lord and each other. Her extended family was very important to her as well, and nothing pleased her more than having large family gatherings at her home.

Juana is predeceased by her parents; her sister, Lidia Ester; and her husband, Lino. She is survived by her children: Maria Gutierrez, Miriela Marcos, Mabel Marcos, Lino Marcos (Jr.), Michelle Marcos, and Marlene Marcos; her siblings: Elida Leal, Luis Amigo, Jose Levi Amigo, and Reniel Amigo; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She will be missed greatly by all who remember and love her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).