Irene “Marta” Maklouf was born on May 5, 1937, in Manzanillo, Cuba. She was born to a young married couple of a Spanish immigrant man, Jose Prieto and a local Cuban woman America Heredia. Her mother passed when she was 4 years old, and she was raised primarily by her three older sisters (Julia, Maria, Leo). Her sisters helped fill the gap of her mother’s absence.

She was a very intelligent little girl. At her elementary school, she received the most distinguished student award (Premio De La Patria) from first to fifth grade. She didn’t receive the award in sixth grade, but her classmates protested because they felt she deserved the award. She was not exempt from being mischievous, but she had a sweet smile and was friendly and kind to everyone. She was a very beautiful young woman.

She graduated from college (Escuela Normal Para Maestras) with a bachelor’s degree in education. She became a rural schoolteacher and was a very smart young woman. Many times, she would have to hitch rides on carts or trucks back to the city. On occasion, she would bring the most outstanding elementary student home to see the city of Camagüey for the weekend. She was very disciplined, proper, decent, and thrifty.

She married a young man of Lebanese and Spanish descent, who had known her since she was a young girl. They started dating after meeting at a local clinic while both were visiting family members. They fell in love and became engaged shortly thereafter. They married in August 1960, a marriage that lasted 66 years until her passing. They had only one son, who was their pride and joy from the moment he was born.

After communism overtook Cuba, they came to the United States in the late 1960s. She worked in various manufacturing factory jobs, but eventually became a supervisor at a local garment factory. She also served as a bookkeeper from time to time at the family gas station. Despite not being able to practice her teaching profession in the U.S., she forever felt indebted and grateful to her adopted country. She would often recite a family mantra, “We not only live in the greatest country in the world, but in the best part of the country.”

Eventually, she retired so she could enjoy her home and the arrival of her grandchildren. She greatly enjoyed her grandchildren, Noah and Kaylin. She loved them sincerely and with all her heart, and they undoubtedly brought her great joy. She is survived by her husband Jorge Maklouf, son Jorge Maklouf Jr., daughter-in-law Melina Maklouf (whom she loved as her own daughter), grandchildren Noah Maklouf and Kaylin Maklouf, sister Leo Prieto, and sister Ana Maria Sosa, and an extended and beautiful family who loved her dearly but are too numerous to list.

May she rest in peace and enjoy celestial peace.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Irene Maklouf, who has entrusted Vista Funeral Home with the honor of handling her final arrangements. Details of her Services are below. We invite you to express your sympathy and support to this family by leaving your expressions of condolences in our online guestbook

For those wishing to send flowers, arrangements may contact Vista Funeral Home 305.330.1496