In loving memory of Madame Dulce Miriam Plasencia Goldenberg, known to us as Dulce, or simply as “Madame,” a woman whose petite stature belied the immense impact she had on countless lives. Born in Cuba, Madame Goldenberg's journey led her through a most remarkable life—studying in France, working for the United Nations in New York and the Congo, and eventually becoming a cherished educator in Miami. Words are inadequate to depict this petite woman’s bigger than life personality and enormous impact on those who were blessed to know her.
As the Department Chair of the Foreign Language Department at Miami Sr. High School for decades, Madame Goldenberg's inspiring leadership and boundless energy propelled the school to numerous victories at the local and state levels in French, Spanish, and Italian language competitions. Madame was a founding member and long-time president of the Association of Foreign Language Teachers of Dade County, the group responsible for bringing foreign language education to the forefront in Miami-Dade County. But she wasn't just a teacher; she was a beloved mentor, a friend, and a beacon of support for her students, fostering a legacy that extends into various professions –her students have gone on to serve as doctors, lawyers, diplomats, and politicians in both local and federal arenas.
To me, Madame was a role model, someone I could aspire to be. During and after my time at Miami Sr. High School, she became family, a surrogate mother during a difficult time in my life when I often felt alone in the world. She made sure I was fed, that I was doing well in my classes, and perhaps most importantly that I knew I was seen and loved. After high school graduation, I went off to college. Despite the long distance, our relationship deepened. She would never stop being a mentor to me. Madame’s mother became my adopted “abuela,” and Madame, her closest friends, and I would spend weekends at the beach and weeknights enjoying cultural events (foreign films, renaissance festivals, or perhaps dancing the Macarena at Casa Panza) in Miami’s vibrant cultural scene, a scene that could only be opaqued by Madame Goldenberg’s grandeur. One year, we spent Christmas in Paris along with my classmate and Madame’s former student, Joaquín Martínez. It was one of our most memorable adventures with her.
Madame Goldenberg was a true legend in Miami. Beyond the classroom, she was a “force majeure,” a force of nature, seamlessly blending cultures through her involvement in Miami's vibrant cultural scene. Even in retirement, Madame's dedication persisted. She continued to teach, lead, and coordinate language competitions, forever leaving an indelible mark on Miami-Dade County's educational landscape.
Madame Goldenberg was petite, like the beloved French singer whom she often emulated, Edith Piaf; but her energy was boundless and infectious. Like Piaf, “le petit oiseau,” Madame Goldenberg also had a powerful voice. She never missed an opportunity at a gathering with friends, whether hosted at her home or elsewhere, to sing Piaf’s “Je ne regrette rien,” and her beloved, “La vie en rose.” And she lived her life by those two songs! — a beautiful rose-colored life, full of travel, adventure, and the love and admiration of her family, friends, and students. She lived as she professed —regretting nothing.
To say that she will be missed is wholly inadequate. Madame’s battle with Alzheimer's for the better part of the last 10 years brought a prolonged period of mourning; yet the reality of her recent passing leaves a great void in our hearts and in the entire universe. She was a once-in-a-lifetime presence, forever changing those fortunate enough to know her. May her memory be an eternal blessing, may we live long to remember her, and may we continue to cherish the rose-colored life she lived, full of love, adventure, and the indomitable spirit that defined her existence.
With great love and admiration,
Angel Díaz, ‘89
