Rolando Alum Linera
It has been difficult for me to craft these words since Mabel has been considered a member of my extended family for years. She and my late first cousin Caridad Linera [Cary] were workmates at the Miami International Airport for years, and their friendship lasted until cousin Cary’s passing in February/2021. Cary and I grew up as siblings in our native Cuba from where we fled escaping its oppressive “Socialist” tyranny, but even after Cary’s death, we kept in touch with Mabel as well as her family. And what a fruitful life Mabel had! As a young widow, she emigrated with her two young children from her native Argentina, where she had been a recognized athlete. In time, Linda and Walter made her proud by, among other things, becoming pilots, and each gave Mabel cherubin-looking grandchildren, the two oldest of whom (Natie & Patrick) are already in professional career paths. Not coincidentally, these two also became cousin Cary’s god-children. And both Cary and Mabel were so proud of them. Walter in turn gave Mable three nietos: Matthew, Fiona & Eli, whom, although I have yet to meet, I feel like I’ve known all five all my life through Cary’s reporting. I reside in New Jersey and it was a routine that on my visits to Miami, we’d meet with Mabel for at least one meal to celebrate the two families’ life-long friendship. Not surprisingly, Mabel (whose family is veritably international) and my cousin Cary loved to travel, as they did together a few times. Likewise, Mabel constantly encouraged me to do the same. May she rest in peace in Heaven. Te extrañamos. Mabel nous manque déjà. Nuestro más sentido pésame a la familia que es nuestra familia también. Prof. Rolando Alum Linera
