In Memoriam - A Tribute to Rosario K. "Tiny" Fleitas

Rosario K. Fleitas - Signum '68

Apologize for more or less cobbling this together, but wanted to publish these sad news as soon as possible...all the beautiful words and testimonials received are truly appreciated; you - Rosario's friends and classmates - made this tribute possible. Rosario did well in this life, and her life should be celebrated and remembered. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:21

These biographical notes are courtesy our friend and classmate Maria Elena Consuegra.

“Rosario was a graduate of Immaculata-LaSalle class of 1968. Before that she attended Sts Peter and Paul Catholic School and before that Colegio del Apostolado in Cuba. Rosario was an incredibly friendly and outgoing person. She enjoyed traveling and especially spending time in Spain. She was married to Raul Hernandez, a practicing lawyer in Coral Gables, FL They had 5 children. She attended Miami-Dade College and was very interested in anthropology especially as it related to Cuban history.

After Miami Dade, Rosario received her Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Miami. She continued to study at UM where she obtained 3 Master's degrees - one in Special Education, one in Gifted Education and one in Montessori Education. For many years Rosario was the Director of Gifted Education for Dade County Public Schools.

Rosario was very active in the Spanish Club and also belonged to the Band. Rosario had a fondness for changing names ... many of us remember her as Tiny, RosaRio and Rosario Kateri among others...”

Now some testimonials, from the heart…

“Maria Rosario Fleitas’ Hernandez’ co-workers write about the passion she had for her work and her students. See the beautiful tribute to her below.

I once read that to teach is to touch a life. It is patent she touched many lives during her career.

Rodrigo O. Rodriguez”

“To Maria’s Friends,

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Maria Hernandez, a consummate professional and a gifted educator.

For the past 22 months Maria fought with unwavering determination. Her zeal for life and her unfinished agenda will be greatly missed by all teachers she touched, students she taught, and colleagues that were imparted with her unparallel knowledge of curriculum in general but specifically for gifted and ESOL students. Maria lived her life working in a profession that was her passion and for her, gifted education and ensuring that the students be provided with the services they deserved was her mission. Every time I would speak with her she would ask me about the gifted referrals, staffings, etc, and she would tell me to never give up. She would end her conversations with "acuerdese que cuento con usted" - "remember I am counting on you".

I for one will miss her greatly and feel honored to have been able to experience her passion, dedication, and commitment to the students of Miami-Dade County Public Schools while working with her at the Division of Advanced Academic Programs.

Maria leaves behind a husband and five children.

Funeral arrangements:

Maspons Funeral Home

3500 SW 8 Street

Miami, Florida

305 461-5070

Viewing:

Saturday, September 26, 2009 beginning at 12 noon, through Sunday, September 27, 2009, at 12 noon.

The family requests that donations be made in Maria's name to La Liga Contra el Cancer/League Against Cancer. To make donations by phone, contact 305 856-4914. To send a donation by mail, please make checks payable to: League Against Cancer, Inc., 2180 SW 12 Avenue, Miami, Florida 33129. Please write Maria's name on the memo.

Beatriz Zarraluqui, Administrative Director
Division of Mathematics, Science, and Advanced Academic Programs, Dade County Schools

“Thank you, Rodrigo. This is so sad. I remember walking to school with her, su nariz pequeñita, sus ojos vivaces. . . . I really appreciate your telling us . . . .

Raquel Puig-Zaldivar”

“Rod,

Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts ... Rosario was a very special person ... the only consolation is that she is now in a better place.

Maria Elena Consuegra (Mendez)”

“Thank you Rodrigo for sharing such beautiful words about Maria, I was sad she did not make our 40th reunion, I pray for her husband and children and the rest of her family. Thanks again.

Silvia Gonzalez”

“Thank you Rodrigo for sharing that with all of us - I will add it to her picture in our ILS Class of 68 website.

Rosario, Tiny - since her very young years, always had a positive word and/or input about everything....

I can still see her little smile from when we were 15.... what pleasant memories....

What great lady.... we all will remember her with beautiful thoughts.

ILS HUGS!

Adrianna Ramirez”

From Clara Perez:

“Rosario was a quiet and sweet person, kind to everyone. Her family should feel certain that she is with God enjoying everlasting joy and peace.

Cariños to all my ILS friends,

Clara”

And from more of her Sts. Peter & Paul, ILS friends and classmates:

“I had the good fortune to have many classes with Tiny during my four years at Immaculata. I so enjoyed her upbeat personality. I am glad she was able to contribute positively to our community in a field she enjoyed. May her life serve as an inspiration to others.

Lourdes Fernandez Carroll”

“I'm very sorry for your loss and offer you my condolence. At La Salle, we would like to offer you and your family our prayers during this difficult time.

"Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there's a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see." -Helen Keller

God Bless You!
Elena Capablanca|Computer Graphics - Immaculata-La Salle High School”

Many more were received…but in the interest of posting this tribute to Rosario on a timely basis, and to inform our Class and interested parties about the viewing and funeral arrangements, will close here. The Circle of Life has closed for her, and she is Home - many of us remember her smile, and we believe she is even now smiling radiantly and dancing with the angels. Our love, solidarity, and condolences to her husband Raul Hernandez and her children.