Cristina Lopez-Oña De Arcos

1924 - 2014

DE ARCOS, CRISTINA LOPEZ-O¥A, peacefully passed away of natural causes at her home on May 25, 2014. Cristina was born on January 15, 1924, in Havana, Cuba. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Julio "Monchy" de Arcos. She fled Cuba in 1960 with her husband and three sons and began a new life in Miami. A fourth son was born three years later, and they continued to raise their children in their new country. Soon after, Monchy was the victim of a tragic car accident that left her a widow to her four young boys. From that day forward Cristina worked tirelessly to take care of her children and continue her education. Cristina vigorously pursued her degree in Education, and graduated from the University of Miami in 1971. She worked as social worker for the State of Florida for more than 25 years. Although Cristina had many obligations to her work and family, she always had time to help others by volunteering as a Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, Regis House and other local charities. Despite the difficulties she encountered in life, and the challenges she had raising four sons, one with special needs, she was able to raise a loving and successful family. In 1990, Cristina's family was chosen as "The Hispanic Family of the Year," by the Barbara Bush Foundation with a White House reception. Cristina will be remembered for her beautiful smile, zest for life, insatiable curiosity, and her unwillingness to never give up. She was an example to us all of how to face adversity and rise above it with grace, hope and, most importantly, faith. Cristina is survived by her four sons, Julio (Jessica Rinaldi), Jorge, Henry, and Edward (Shannon Lowry), five grandchildren, Dr. Estela (Dr. Tunis Hunt), Miguel (Brittany), Cristina, Edward, and Gracie, and her five great grandchildren, Connor, Parker, Ryder, Karis, and Cooper. A celebration of her life will be held at Epiphany Catholic Church on Friday, May 30th, 2014 at 10:30 am. FERDINAND FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY FERNANDO CABALLERO, F.D. (305) 631-0001 FerdinandFuneralHomes.com