Maria del Carmen Cabrera

Maria del Carmen Cabrera, lovingly known as Macusa and Mima to family, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025. She was 81 years old. Maria was born in Havana, Cuba on Jan 7, 1944. She attended the prestigious Baldor school and then earned her degree in History from the University of Havana. In 1969, she fled the tyranny of Castro’s communist Cuba with several family members including her mother, mother-in-law, aunt, and two daughters. After spending months in Costa Rica, the group was granted visas to enter the United States. Maria settled in Hartford, Connecticut, in a neighborhood filled with friends and family who had previously fled Cuba. They were poor in dollars, but rich with hope for a better life and freedom for their children to flourish.

With generosity from Catholic Charities, Maria and her family survived their first New England winter, and she was hired at Society for Savings Bank. Education was a priority, and she worked hard so her four children could attend Catholic schools throughout elementary and high school.

The family moved to East Hartford around 1980. Maria’s home was always open to friends and family for celebrations; a place to live; a table to gather around to enjoy Cuban food, music, traditions; and to compete for hours playing dominoes.

Maria became a single mother when her husband of 25 years chose to leave. She became the primary (only) parent, while working full time. Soon after retirement from the State of Connecticut, she moved in with her oldest daughter, Rosa, who cared for her with love, patience, and dedication. Together with Rosa and family, Maria spent many years visiting cherished cousins in Florida and childhood friends in New Jersey and New York, and traveling to Iceland, Germany, Spain, and all over the United States.

Maria’s legacy is the love and pride she instilled in her children for her beloved Cuba, while simultaneously teaching appreciation and gratitude for her adopted country, the United States. She had no siblings but was blessed with cousins and lifelong friendships. Maria was predeceased by her father Miguel Cabrera, her mother, Carmen Martinez, her adored grandmother, Aurora Boeras, who was like a mother to her, and her many Tias and Tios. She leaves behind her oldest daughter, Rosa Rodriguez Grady (husband Steve), who cared for her with grace and love for many decades, her grandchildren Ryan (wife Andrea) and great-grandson Calvin, Maria and her great-granddaughter Alexa, with whom she shared a special bond, and Elena; her daughter Sara Rodriguez Golden (husband Paul) and grandchildren Carolina, Ana, and Liam, her son Michael Rodriguez (wife Jessica) and grandchildren Emilia and Maddon, and Alex, Katie and grandchildren Abby, Alex, and Michael.

We are at peace knowing she is in the presence of Christ, dancing to Celia Cruz’s music, in the arms of her mother, Tia Zonia, and Tia Olga, who all cared for her with unconditional love.

In lieu of flowers, visit a long-term care facility and treat a lonely resident to a visit and a homemade goodie. Thank the CNAs, nurses, activity coordinators, housekeeping staff, kitchen staff, security, and treat them to a gracious smile. They are unsung heroes, taking care of our precious elderly and impaired brothers and sisters. Thank you to the residents and staff of Elmwood Hills who made Maria feel extra loved.

If you’d like to donate in her memory, consider sending a check made to: Elmwood Hills. In the MEMO section write ‘Salon Donation.’ This will be used to pay for a resident’s haircut. It would be a treat for many who have no family or means for a visit to the salon. Our mom went weekly and always looked beautiful. The address is: Elmwood Hills, Attention Angela Gezzi, 425 Woodbury-Turnersville Rd, Blackwood, NJ 08012. Remember to write ‘Salon Donation’ in the memo section of your check.

A celebration of Maria’s life will be held on November 1, 2025, at McGuinness Funeral Home, 573 Egg Harbor Rd, Washington Township, NJ 08080. There will be a viewing from 12-2pm, and a brief service immediately following.