Ada Marquez Mederos

September 10, 1926 - January 29, 2021

Ada Marquez Mederos (known to all her loved ones as “Alela”), age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 29, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. Ada was born September 10, 1926 in Bejucal, Havana, Cuba to Elisa Echazabal & Pedro D. Marquez. The second eldest of six children, her strong work ethic started at the early age of 15 when she started working at La Coperativa in Bejucal as a seamstress to help support her family. Family was always the most sacred part of her life and she sacrificed much in life to take care of her loved ones. Ada met the love of her life Francisco J. Mederos at a young age and was married at the age of 18 in Bejucal, Havana, Cuba. They went on to have one daughter, Ada and moved to the United States to escape Communism in search for a better life. They settled in Tampa, Florida. She was the first in her family to move to the United States and lived through many struggles and challenges while dedicating years to bring the rest of her siblings and close family members to this free country. She was widowed in 1975 at the age of 46 with the passing of her beloved Francisco J. Mederos. Ada had a love for life and a contagious positive spirit that everyone that met or knew her gravitated to. She always had a smile on her face and was the first in line when there was a social gathering or chance to travel. She loved the beach, dancing, and drinking her favorite “mentiritas” (known as mini-Cuba Libres). She made the most of life by traveling and seeing as much of the world in her retirement years. Her travels took her to the beautiful destinations of Hawaii, Alaska, Europe, and South/Central America to name a few. “Alela” always used to say, “cada uno de nosotros nacemos con un librito bajo del brazo”. We celebrate that her book has reached its final chapter today and honor her memory and the wonderful life she lived for 94 years with us. We are blessed to have had her touch our lives. Ada is survived by her daughter, Ada (Juan Pablo Berasaluce); granddaughters, Ainhoa (Alfonso Dieguez) and Leire (David Dieguez); three great-grandchildren (Lorea, Nahia, and Milia); sister, Maria Diaz; brother, Ivan Marquez; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ada was predeceased by her parents, Elisa and Pedro Marquez; her husband, Francisco J. Mederos; her sisters, Migdalia Marquez and Francisca Alfonso; and brother, Pedro Marquez. The family would like to thank the staff at Dayi’s Sunflowers Assisted Living Facility and Hospice for the care provided to Ada and her family. The family appreciates all the prayers and concerns extended to us during this time. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Boza & Roel Funeral Home at 12:00pm. Private visitation an hour prior, 11:00am – 12:00pm. Burial to follow at Marti-Colon Cemetery at approximately 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Ada’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or American Heart Association.