Consuelo Arteaga's Obituary
On Dec. 10, Consuelo “Connie” Arteaga took her last earthly breath. After a long illness she left her tired body and went to be with her husband Abelardo ”Al” Arteaga who preceded her in death, and to whom she was married for 68 years. Born in Cuba she was orphaned at the age of 4. At the age of 10 she was sold into slavery. When she was 17 she fled to NY where she married Al and worked as a seamstress. She moved to Tampa in 1953 where she raised two daughters. For a person with a tragic childhood, limited education, and language barrier, she had an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit. She owned successful businesses: A dry cleaner, an office building, and a sportswear factory where she employed 50 seamstresses. She was jovial, a delight to be around, and loved by everyone. Her larger than life personality welcomed and comforted many. She was a passionate fighter for many causes and traveled to DC many times to march on Capitol Hill. Connie is survived by two daughters, Giselle (Gigi) Arteaga, Sylvia Alvarez, husband Philip Tagliarini, Grand Children
Michael Sala, Scott Alvarez, wife Diane, Nichole Alvarez-Sowles, husband Kevin. Great Grand Children Alexandria and Soren Sowles and Anthony and Andrew Alvarez . A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at Boza & Roel Funeral Home at 4730 N. Armenia, Tampa. Visitation 10 to 11 a.m. Service 11 a.m. Gathering and reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pastors for Peace https://ifconews.org
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