Alida Aleman

Alida Fernandez Aleman was born in Havana, Cuba in 1945 to Dr. Ceferino and Dolores “Lolita” Fernandez. As a youth Alida and her only sibling, Eric, became accomplished swimmers with the guidance of their father. Alida was the best female swimmer in Cuba and earned a spot on the 1960 Cuban Olympic Team that unfortunately boycotted the games. She and her family fled Cuba in 1961 due to the political tensions and relocated to Baltimore, MD. It is in Baltimore that she met and married her husband of over 62 years, Juan F. Aleman. Alida and Juan moved to Spain to allow him to complete medical school. Eventually they settled in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and then retired to Fort Lauderdale in 1994.

Alida and Juan traveled extensively and visited over 20 countries during their marriage but their greatest journey was the one they took together in Christ. Alida spoke often of the impact that faith had not only on her marriage but in her life as a whole. She was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Davie, FL and the family owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Fr. Ed Prendergast for his leadership, guidance and love.

Through their 62 years of marriage Alida and Juan experienced immeasurable joy as parents to Juan, Eric, Alex, Andy and Mark. While she loved her five (5) sons, she adored her seven (7) grandchildren that affectionately nicknamed her “Lala”. They will miss her terribly but as first-hand witnesses to the miraculous life Lala led they are prepared to carry Lala’s legacy of service and unconditional love on for the rest of their lives.

Alida/Lala went to be with her parents, brother and Christ on Friday March 7, 2025, but her spirit will live on forever in her family and those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her light will shine brightly for eternity.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Juan F. Aleman, her sons and grandchildren: Juan (Barbra, Kristen, Lauren and Alexandra Alida), Eric (Leslie, Maria Elizabeth, Eric Joseph and John), Alex (Jorge), Andy, and Mark (Paulette, Victoria and Mark Andrew).

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the attached link:

Make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in memory of Alida Aleman