Maria Elena Machado passed away, at the age of 88 years of age, at Memorial West Hospital in Pembroke Pines, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made her honor to Catholic Relief Services (crs.org). Maria was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Juan Machado (deceased 7/3/2013), and her two elder sisters, Estela Diaz and Marta Peix. She is survived by her younger brother, Luis Gallinat, her daughter, Barbara Espinosa Occhino and spouse Ronald, son John Louis Machado and spouse Nancy, grandchildren Christine Hubbard and spouse Justin, Lisa Occhino, and Jessey and Nicolas Machado, along with four great-grandchildren (Milania, Audriana, Nicoletta, Gianni), and nephews Manuel, Luis and Julio. Maria is remembered for her love of social gatherings, dancing, travel, and most of all, her family. Throughout her life, she was a savvy entrepreneur who owned real estate, restaurants, and beauty salons. She was born at the Central Tacajo in Oriente, Cuba, to Nicolas and Fidelia Gallinat. Maria attended elementary school in Tacajo, followed by Estudio Superior (grades 7th-8th) in Santiago, and the Escuela Professional de Comercio de Cuba where she studied accounting from ages 15-18. At age 18, she married Reynaldo Ramon Espinosa with whom she had her daughter, Barbara. After the 1959 Cuban Revolution, she divorced and moved with her parents to Motatan, Venezuela. She relocated to Valencia where she was employed as a bookkeeper at a German hardware company. In 1963, through the aid of the Catholic Relief in Caracas, a Cuban Bishop, and a Cuban Ambassador, she garnered US visas for herself, her mother, brother, and daughter to immigrate to America in 1964. Maria settled in Newark, New Jersey, where she married Juan Machado. She was employed at a plastics factory, laminating high-security government cards and documents. In subsequent years, she was employed as a line worker assembling purse liners at a Newark leather factory, sorting mail at the US Post Office, and briefly serving as a teacher’s aide for children with emotional disturbances. The family moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey, where they invested in residential properties and welcomed the birth of their son, John. Upon earning her hair styling license at a Newark Cosmetology School, Maria worked at salons in Elizabeth and Linden, New Jersey. In 1974, the family moved to Hialeah, Florida, where Maria owned and sold three hair salons and continued styling clients privately until she retired. They returned to New Jersey over four years to manage and sell real estate properties. Maria was known for her spunk and determination. There were no obstacles, only challenges. She generously supported Cuban immigrants, including family members, housing them and helping them get settled. Maria was actively involved in organizing special events for the Lion’s Club and Pro Cuba. At her last home in Century Village in Pembroke Pines, Florida, she enjoyed many years of friendships and entertainment, dancing, playing bingo, canasta, and dominoes. She especially looked forward to the annual Thanksgiving gatherings with family from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. Maria’s generous spirit and vivacious personality will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.