Maria Soto Obituary

SOTO, MARIA, 85, Dra Magdalena Ramos to her students from Cubas Dominicas Francesas school, passed away January 21, 2009 at her home in Miami. A devoted teacher of Math and Science for over sixty years she is mourned by scores of students from two countries who credit her with instilling in them an appreciation for mathematics they would not otherwise have had. A graduate of the University of Habana with a PHD in Mathematics and Physics, Maria Magdalena taught school in Cuba until her departure with her two children, ages thirteen and five, in January, 1961. In the US she taught math at Miami's Notre Dame Academy while attending school to revalidate her degree and obtain credentials to teach in the public schoool system. In 1963 she began teaching in the Dade County public school system starting at Robert E. Lee and transferring to Miami Norland Sr High where she taught until 1978 when she transferred to the new Miami Sunset Sr High in the southern suburbs of Dade County. Maria retired in 1988 and relocated to Pasco County. Unable to stay away from her true love, teaching math, she accepted a position teaching college math at St Leo College where she remained on the faculty until health issues forced her retirement in 1992. In 2001 she relocated to So Florida to live closer to her grandchildren and immediate family. Maria, widowed in 1956, dedicated herself to her children for over seventeen years. Only once both children's futures were secured did she consider her personal life and, to both their fortunes met and married Ernesto Soto in 1973 giving not only herself a chance at happiness and companionship but also providing her grandchildren with a doting grandfather. Missing her dearly are her devoted husband Ernesto, son Jose Gomez and daughter Maria Agramonte- Gomez, grandsons Joseph and Scott Gomez and great grandchildren Daniela and Andrew Gomez. Visitation will take place from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Sunday January 25, 2009 at Caballero Rivero funeral home, 11655 SW 117th Avenue, Miami, Fl 33190, (305) 238-3672. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation in her memory be made to Veritas-Dominicas Francesas, Inc. C/O Francis Larin, President, 8241 S.W. 34 Terr Miami, FL 33155. To visit this Guest Book Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.Published in The Miami Herald on 1/24/09.

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Published by the Miami Herald on Jan. 26, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Maria Soto

7 Entries

Cynthia Hartdegen

January 29, 2009

We were glad to have known you for the short time, and grateful for your faithful mothering. Your children are a gift of you to us all.

Brother Patrick Sean Moffett, CFC

January 28, 2009

The faculty and students of Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School join in expressing condolences to the family, friends and former students of Maria Soto. We know ourselves to be privileged to carry forward the wonderful spirit and tradition that graced her years at Notre Dame Academy. My her light shine through all eternity.

Christine (Sims) Clark

January 27, 2009

Oh my, how sad! I remember Ms. Soto so well. She actually tutored me in math and really tried to knock those formulas and numbers into my head. Besides being a teacher I also recall her as a kind and gracious woman with much dignity.She is part of my wonderful education at NDA which has helped me to become not only the person I am but also to excell in academics. Christine (Sims) Clark '63

Ruben Caride

January 27, 2009

Mrs. Soto was an incredible lady that I had the distinct pleasure of knowing. Her impact can best be summarized in the words of one of my colleagues and a former student of Mrs. Soto, Dr. Abilio Coello. I had the pleasure of reuniting them a couple of years ago at which point Dr. Coello proudly announced to his office staff, "I would not be a doctor today had it not been for this lady". We become immortal by the way we are remembered by the people whose lives we touch. To this end, Mrs. Soto will always be remembered.

Rose McClelland

January 27, 2009

Mrs. Gomez was very patient with me when I could not understand geometry. I passed because of her "due diligence". May she rest in peace.

Dr. Rosa M. Fernandez

January 25, 2009

Mi querida maestra y amiga.
Jamas la olvidareesta feliz en la presencia de Dios.
Y que desde el cielo puede ver a sus alumnas que tanto la han querido y que siempren la recodaran
con gran amor y respeto
Rosita

Joanne Roberts

January 25, 2009

Mrs. Maria Soto(Ramos) and my mother, Norma Roberts, were faculty members of Notre Dame Academy for Girls, so I knew her for many years. Later on, when I began teaching at Miami Sunset Senior HS, Mrs. Soto was teaching there and warmly welcomed me. She was known for inspiring and challenging her mathematics students. Mrs. Soto never wasted a minute of class time which led to this legendary description: "Mrs. Soto is so dedicated that she never lets her students leave the classroom-even for a fire drill."
Many students, parents, and friends are grateful for the gifts of this talented teacher.
Mrs. Soto and her family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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