Nora Monasterio

Nora Monasterio

September 12, 1919 – May 28, 2020

Nora was born Honorina Ballines Gancedo at El Carbon, in Asturias, Spain.  Her mother, Herminia took her to live in Havana, Cuba when she was a small child.  She married Santiago Monasterio Jayo (from Bermeo, Vizcaya, Spain).  on April 28, 1945 in Havana, Cuba and they remained married for 42 years, until his death on July 24, 1987.  They had one child, Sylvia.

In February 1963, Nora and Santiago left behind their life and Cuba fleeing Castro’s regime and went to their native Spain to reunite with daughter Sylvia and Nora’s mother Herminia who were already there.  In February 1965, Nora, Santiago and Sylvia moved to Los Angeles, California, U.S. to begin a new life.  Nora  worked as a seamstress for many years until she retired.  In 1996, she moved with her daughter and family to Plantation, Florida where she remained until her passing.

Nora lived to be 100 years old, a very long life, full of joy and also full of heartache.  She  leaves behind a family who loved her and will miss her dearly: daughter Sylvia and son-in-law, Xavier Rodriguez, granddaughters, Elizabeth (married to James Richards); great grand-children: Ethan, Jolene and Evelyn;  and granddaughter, Stephanie (married to Gavin Theile); great grand-children:  Blake and Owen.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Hermina Gancedo and husband, Santiago.

Rest in Peace, mamita, Norita!