Luisa Margarita Guiteras

Luisa Margarita (Gutierrez) Guiteras, born on June 21, 1931, in Havana, Cuba, to Maria Josefa Olaechea and Antonio Faustino Gutierrez, peacefully passed away on March 1, 2024, in Coral Gables, FL, at the age of 92. Luisa was a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Luisa, a true matriarch, devoted her life to her family. She married the love of her life, John R. (Jack) Guiteras, in their beloved Havana. In the early years of their relationship, they embarked on their lifelong partnership, Lorraine Travel. After fleeing communism in Cuba in 1960, they quickly re-established their travel business in Miami. Luisa was the dedicated mother of six children: Margarita, John A., Louis, Greg, Maria Cecilia, and Daniel. Her love extended to each of their respective spouses as well as her grandchildren: Carina, Richie, Lauren, Alex, Juan Jose, Aoife, Emma, and Elise.

While Luisa fully embraced her new country, she (along with Jack) yearned to return to a free Cuba, and she transmitted the love for her island to her children and grandchildren. She constantly recounted memories of her favorite beach, Varadero, driving in her friend's "convertible" from Las Dominicas, arriving home to Calle Linea to have a "merienda," and her apartment in front of La Embajada Americana. She poetically referred to her mortality as "cuando regrese a Cuba."

Whenever storms brewed, Luisa was the calming presence, relying heavily on her Catholic faith and devotion to the Blessed Mother. She attended Mass regularly and her rosary was always within reach. She and Jack raised their children in the Catholic faith, supporting the local Catholic schools of St. Theresa, St. Brendan, Lourdes and Belen. She often anticipated others' needs, compassionately and generously offering support. Her outlook in life was always positive and practical, sharing her radiant smile and kind spirit to everyone around her. Her ever-optimistic attitude was visible in the cards and notes that she signed with "Looking forward" - a sentiment likewise echoed among her family, and a memory which will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her most.

Luisa was adventurous in her travels, even completing an "Around the World" journey with Jack aboard a British Airways Concorde chartered by Lorraine Travel in 1989. She also took great joy in leading a yearly vacation with her family group - often spanning more than 20 relatives - to beautiful destinations, where she spent hours basking in the sun, collecting shells on the beach, completing puzzles, and drinking piña coladas. At home, Luisa's guava pie and "upside down de piña" were staples on the menu of family favorites, and her Chantilly, "ensalada de fruta" and "Pollo a la Villaroy" were often requested for birthday parties and other special events.

As Luisa neared the end of her life's journey, four caregivers - Agñes, Rafaelina, Maria, and Nuria - provided unwavering support. Their constant, loving care ensured her comfort around the clock. During Luisa's final chapter, the compassionate team at Catholic Hospice joined her caregivers, offering additional comfort and guidance during this tender time.

Luisa is survived by her six children, eight grandchildren, and younger brother Antonio Guillermo Gutierrez. Her extended family at Lorraine Travel likewise mourns her passing. They will always cherish her meticulous attention to detail and diligent work ethic.

A memorial Mass for Luisa will be held at the Our Lady of Belen Chapel (500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184), at 2:30 p.m. on April 20, 2024.