Caridad Guanche's Obituary
Caridad Guanche, known affectionately by everyone as Chary, passed away on January 20, 2026. Born Caridad Nickse in Havana, Cuba, on June 12, 1942, she was a woman whose life was shaped by a deep love for her roots and an unwavering devotion to her family.
Like many of her generation, Chary carried a quiet but profound sadness for the Cuba of her childhood, a country which she and her parents were forced to flee. This loss fueled a mission throughout her life: she was determined to instill a sense of Cuban heritage in her children. She ensured that even in a new country, they always knew they belonged to that culture and understood their heritage.
In Miami, fate brought her to Felix, the man who would be her partner for almost 60 years. Their marriage was a true partnership, and Felix remained steadfastly at her side as they created a beautiful life together from the ground up.
Chary was known for her sweetness and kindness, but she also possessed a sharp wit and an amazing intuition about people. Her "mother’s instinct" was almost a superpower. She had an uncanny ability to read a situation, and even when others did not see it, she would almost inevitably be proven correct later on. Her life was centered on others, and she spent much of her time caring for her children and grandchildren far more than she ever cared about herself.
As an immigrant, Chary took immense pride in her professional career at the University of Miami. She mastered a new language and navigated a professional world with grace, but her greatest achievement at UM was the door it opened for her family. Because of her hard work and dedication, she and Felix were able to put their three children through college, a gift of opportunity they were incredibly proud to provide.
Her strength was most evident in how she handled adversity. For years, she managed the delicate balance of a career and motherhood while caring for her elderly parents in her own home. She stood by them through their most difficult chapters, including her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s and her father’s multiple strokes. These experiences deeply affected her. Having witnessed the devastating effects of her mother's disease firsthand, she often voiced her fear of facing it herself and her deep wish never to become a burden to her children.
In a difficult twist of fate, Chary ultimately faced the very disease she feared most. Yet, within that turmoil, her family found unexpected silver linings. The journey brought her children, Felix, Cristina, and Jorge, closer. It gave them a new appreciation for the sacrifices she had made throughout her life and provided them with a sacred opportunity to give back to her. After decades of her selfless love, her children were honored to care for her with the same devotion she had always shown them.
Chary is survived by her devoted husband, Felix. She leaves behind her children, Felix, Cristina, and Jorge, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Alex, Elizabeth, Gabriel, Jordi, and Mila, and her great-grandchild, Cooper. Hers was a life marked by quiet resilience and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She leaves a legacy of hard work, a deep pride in her Cuban heritage, and a family that remains united because of the love she instilled in them.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be directed to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/ in honor of Caridad Guanche.
What’s your fondest memory of Caridad?
What’s a lesson you learned from Caridad?
Share a story where Caridad's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Caridad you’ll never forget.
How did Caridad make you smile?