Gloria Roldan

Gloria Minaelda Roldan, born in 1946 in Holguin, Cuba. Mina was the eldest of seven children Agérico Jiménez Balmaceda and Diosdada Garrido Santiesteban had. She helped raise her 6 siblings; 5 sisters and a brother.

We all knew her by many names. Gloria. Minaelda. Mina. Minin. Profesora Minaelda. Hermana. Hija. Tía. Prima. Mami. Yaya. No matter what name you called her by, she would give you her whole heart. Her cooking was so delicious that you could taste how much love she put in every meal she made. She made every moment feel so special from birthdays to holidays.

In her early years, she went on to become a college professor in Cuba, she taught math and Spanish.

In 1975, Mina and Gus had their first daughter, Sayleet. By 1979, their second child was born, Suset. About a year and a half later, they received news that all their paperwork had been processed and they would depart Cuba in route to the USA.

Unfortunately, she left behind her parents and siblings. She gave up everything in life for her daughters and husband. Throughout all the years, Mina would support her family in Cuba with money monthly and would send clothing and medicines regularly.

Mina wanted to continue teaching in the US. She went on to study English and was approved to be a substitute teacher while her daughters were young. Later on Mina worked as Quality Control in the clothing industry. During this time her daughters graduated high school and went on to college. In 1999, her first grandchild, JoseJavier, was born. Mina would works week days and would baby sit her grandson on the weekends.

In 2009, her in-laws were deteriorating due to old age. Her mother-in-law's Alzheimer's got worse after a fall that caused a blow to the head, that landed her in a vegetative state. Mina and Gus wouldn't allow Mariana to go to a nursing home so they both took care of her till her last day. About 6 months later, Mina's father-in-law passed away.

Mina's heart was so big and full of love that she spent her whole life taking care of everyone, even when her hip started causing her problems. In 2013, her second grandchild was born, Mila. Mina raised her for 2 years before Mila would start going to daycare. She taught her everything and especially everything in Spanish.

She was very active and present present in both of her grandkids' lives by picking them up from school everyday. She would spoil them with love and attention. Always buying them all their favorites treats and toys.

Mina was all about family. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She would spend all of November building and decorating her town under the tree. From the ice skating ring to the lake, all was done with such passion and attention to even the smallest detail. Birthdays were celebrated by Mina making your favorite dish of hers, followed with cake and ice cream. She enjoyed making her home welcoming and loving. She loved making flora arrangements to beautify her home. Her latest was the large white orchid arrangement place in front of her new mirror.

Mina is survived by husband, Gustavo Roldan, daughters; Sayleet and Suset Roldan, and grandchildren; JoseJavier Navarro and Mila Sanchez. As well as her sisters and nieces.

Her love is felt and missed oh so deeply.

Condolences to the family may be shared via the online guestbook.