Luz M. Laffitte

LAFFITTE Luz M. (Monina) Laffitte, age 97, beloved wife of the late Leopoldo Jorge Laffitte II, entered into eternal rest peacefully on January 16, 2008, at the Baptist Hospital in Miami, Fla., with her seven children and loving family by her side. Born in Macabi, Central Boston, Cuba, on April 30, 1910, to the late Alberto Hernandez and Hermencia Hidalgo Hernandez. Monina, as friends and family called her, was raised in Cuba and attended school in Cuba. After marring her school sweetheart on October 14, 1934, Monina and Polin, (as family and friends called her late husband), went on to raise seven children with much love and patience. She came the U.S.A. with her family in June of 1965. She was a resident of Bridgeport for 33 years. Monina was a devoted and loving wife, daughter, sister, friend, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be sadly missed by her family and those who came to know her for her wisdom, energy, amazing strength, compassion, love and ability to touch so many hearts. No doubt, she was a special woman who carried out her commitments with kindness and dignity. She will be fondly remember ed by her children as a caring and supportive mother whose love for them was unconditional. She was a dedicated homemaker and found deep joy knitting, sewing and designing clothes, traveling, gardening, cooking and baking. She loved music, dancing and hosting family and friends reunions. She especially enjoyed watching the family grow and having good times. There were great times in the Laffitte's house where the doors were always open for family and friends. She was a true lady of character. The strength, courage and kindness she exhibited in life will be cherished forever. She was a loyal and dedicated member of the Cuban Lyceum of Bridgeport where in 1996 she had the distinction of being selected the mother of the year. She was predeceased by her parents, the late Alberto and Hermencia Hernandez; her beloved husband the late Leopoldo Laffitte; eight sibling, Edilberto, Ricardo, Hector, Armando, Jose Antonio, Alberto, Caridad and Eliana. She is survived by her seven children, Leopoldo Laffitte III and his wife, Lourdes, of Puerto Rico, Gisela Rodrigues and her husband, Jose, of Milford, Consuelo Fresco and her husband, Juan, Alberto Laffitte and his wife, Zaida, Carolina Alvarez and her husband, Alberto, Milagros DeGuzman and her husband, Domingo, all of Miami, Fla., Raul Laffitte and his wife, Susie of Trumbull. She is also survived by three sibling, Aida Avila of Bridgeport, Onelia DelPrado of Miami, and Juan Jose Hernandez of Cuba. She also left to cherish her memories 23 loving grandchildren; and 41 adored great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. The family is grateful for the exemplary care rendered to their mother by the staff and friends at the Palace Nursing Center, Kendall, Fla., during the past year. Funeral services were held in Miami, Fla. A Memorial Mass celebrating her life will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 4 p.m. in St. Mary's Church, 25 Sherman Street, Bridgeport. Friends and family are invited.