Amparo Mariana Triana

Amparo Mariana Triana, beloved mother, spouse, and friend, passed away in her sleep on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Her youngest son at her side, Mariana left this world after a long and brave battle with esophageal cancer during a global pandemic. 

Mariana (known to many as Ampy) was born in Havana, Cuba on October 26, 1942, to Francisco “Paquito” Cairol Garrido and Elba Maria Diaz Arza. She grew up during an exciting and tumultuous time in Cuban history in a family seeped deeply in the Cuban struggle for freedom from tyranny.

Her passion to help others in need led her to work in the healthcare industry, and eventually she became a registered nurse. Along that journey she met her husband, Dr. Santiago Triana, a brilliant surgeon and accomplished pianist, who survives her.

She was adored by everyone who knew her. However, the center of her life was family. She and her sister, Magdalena Hernandez, who passed away in 2013, both shared sibling-like bonds with their many cousins who were all raised together back in Cuba. Mariana was a devoted mother to her children Alfred, Maggie, Jim, Sergio, Art, and Chris. Her children would argue perhaps that she was even more devoted to her grandchildren Jessica, Martina, Diego, Nicolette and Belen and her great grandchildren Jackson, Mason, Kayden and Rylee.

Mariana rejoiced in life and all the beauty it has to offer. She loved art and music – she even managed a local rock band in Phila. during the 60’s – and she studied to become an interior designer who specialized in antiques. She had a successful interior design business for a time in the 80’s and 90’s, and her home reflects her love of all forms of art. She and her husband took many trips to hear world-class orchestral performances of classical music and opera.

Holidays were special occasions for Mariana were accented by her marvelous cooking. Her home was always festooned and garlanded to the delight her children. Thanksgiving and Christmas were joyous times in her household, which ensured that all her kids found their ways back as adults to celebrate them with her. These holidays were made even more festive when grandchildren and great grandchildren began to join in. The highlight of every year for all the families was the traditional white elephant gift exchange at her home on Christmas Eve. It was always a time of wonderful merriment and roaring laughter as each family member tried to outdo or out-gag the others with their surprise gifts. The grandchildren were dressed as Santa’s helpers in the game, ensuring that everyone had a chance to participate and forming precious family moments. These moments and many others we will all carry forward in our hearts along with our love and memory of her.

A viewing for friends and family will be held on Monday, July 19 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at T.M. Ralph Funeral Home in Sunrise, FL. A private funeral and burial will be held for the family on Tuesday, July 20.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Amparo Mariana Triana.