Obituary
Juana Gladys Rippes, 96 of Miami passed away Friday, September 29, 2023 at her home with her family and loved ones by her side.
She was the first child of the late Jose Manuel Fernandez and Juanita Cordoves born on December 27, 1926 in Habana, Cuba. She was joyfully welcomed into a large family who showered her with love and instilled in her the passion for reading and literature.
Juana received her Doctorate degree in Philosophy & Arts from the University of Habana and also completed advanced studies in advertising.
She married the love of her life Alfredo Antonio Rippes in January 1952 after having been introduced to him by her sister Mina during the festive Carnivals in Habana. Alfredo fell in love with her charming personality, quiet elegance and gorgeous smile.
She worked in Habana for a large advertising firm as a text editor on many campaigns for Cuban tourism, products and aviation. Upon her emigration to the United States in 1962 she obtained her teaching certificate from the University of Miami. She also received a graduate degree in education from Nova Southeastern University. She worked in education for Miami Dade County Public Schools until her retirement in 1992. Her teaching career gave her great joy enabling countless students to embrace a passion for education and learning.
Juana was also a published author of short stories and in 2000 published her book Tabaco en Flor. Tabaco en Flor is a 492 page book dedicated to chronicling the love of her parents and their families while immersed in the culture of the Cuban tobacco industry.
She greatly enjoyed the many lectures, interviews and book clubs that she participated in following the publication of her book.
She will be deeply and forever missed by her family and friends. However, all those who knew her will forever be inspired by her kindness and compassion, incredible energy and work ethic, ability to stay focused on what was truly important and her love of reading, art, travel and beautiful gardens. She did it all with a lot of style and grace and we were lucky to have her in our lives.
Juana is survived by her sister Angela and her children Alfredo (Rosi), Carlos (Luda) and Irene (David) White. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews Gloria, Gisela, Juan and Ruben as well as her grandchildren Byron, Danielle, Priscilla, Sean and Emmanuel and 6 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 6th from 6 – 10pm at Vista Funeral Home with a religious service at 8pm. Burial will be held the following day at 10am on Saturday, Oct 7th at Vista Gardens.