Isabel Gomez

Isabel Gomez, affectionately known to all as Mima, was a beacon of unwavering love and generosity, whose journey on this earth began on June 11, 1947, in Camaguey, Cuba, and came to a peaceful conclusion on June 10, 2024, in Winston-Salem, NC. She was the third daughter to Luciano Ortega and Milagro Vazques and named Isabel de las Mercedes Ortega Vazquez.
Mima was a woman whose life was a tapestry of selfless acts and joyful moments, woven with the threads of love she shared with everyone she encountered. Mima's story is one of resilience and passion. With an associate degree earned in her beloved hometown of Camaguey, she embraced the world of numbers as an accountant, a profession that reflected her meticulous nature and integrity. Her career was a testament to her dedication and hard work, a foundation that supported the family she adored beyond measure. Family was the cornerstone of Mima's life. She was the cherished wife of Emerio Gomez, a loving mother to Yasmina Turner and Sergio Castillo, and a guiding light to her stepsons, Rangel and Ridel (Chino) Gomez. Her legacy extends through a lineage of 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, each of whom carry a spark of her enduring spirit and unconditional love.
Beyond her family and work, Mima's passions illuminated the lives of all who knew her. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life; sewing and cooking were not just hobbies but avenues of passion through which she expressed her love. To sit at Mima's table was to experience a feast not only of flavors but of warmth and hospitality. Through each stitch and every recipe, she nurtured a community, creating bonds that transcended the fabric and food she so skillfully crafted.
Mima was a person of strong character who endured many obstacles and challenging times in her life. She was a fighter, risking her life to make sure her family came to this country for better opportunities, and conquering each difficult moment like the champion she was. She lived by the principle that to give was to receive, and her life was a continuous outpouring of kindness and support. Whether offering a word of encouragement or a helping hand, Mima's actions spoke volumes of her desire to uplift those around her. In a life lived with such vibrant intention, Mima embodied the essence of the inspiring quote by Maya Angelou, "Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud." Mima was indeed that rainbow, a spectrum of hope and joy that brightened the lives of everyone she touched. Her presence was a comforting reminder that love and kindness are the most powerful forces we can offer to one another.
As we celebrate the remarkable journey of Isabel 'Mima' Gomez, we are reminded of the indelible impact one life can have on so many. Her story does not end with her passing; it continues in the hearts she has touched, the memories she has created, and the love she has instilled in her family and friends.
Mima's spirit will forever dance in the laughter of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and in the cherished traditions she passed down. Though we mourn the physical loss of Mima, her essence remains an integral part of the fabric of our lives. Her example inspires us to live with the same boundless love, to share generously without expectation, and to be a source of light in the lives of others.
In honoring her memory, let us carry forward the torch of her compassion, illuminating the path for generations to come with the same warmth and grace that Mima bestowed upon the world. As we bid farewell to Mima, let us embrace the love she so freely gave. We will always love you Mima!