This past Sunday, a wave of grief swept across social media as news spread about the passing of Professor Dalenia Cabrera from the University of Oriente in Santiago de Cuba. Many shared heartfelt condolences online. "We bid farewell as this beloved teacher, Dalenia Cabrera, leaves us for the heavens. Our sympathies go out to her family and friends. Rest in peace," wrote Alejandro Quiroga Silveira in the Facebook group "Amigos del Fajardo."
Cabrera, reportedly a faculty member in the School of Physical Education, was cherished by both her students and colleagues. Numerous individuals have left condolence messages for Cabrera's family in the comments section, while others expressed the deep affection they held for her.
Ibelise Medrano shared on Facebook, "Today, the world has lost a wonderful angel, and heaven has gained a brilliant star. A loving daughter, mother, friend, wife, companion, advisor, and an outstanding teacher." She added, "May God grant her the finest place in His vast palace, and may she watch over her loved ones from above."
Recent Losses in Cuban Culture and Sports
The mourning for individuals whose contributions extend beyond their immediate circles is deeply felt on social media. Just last Thursday, Havana lost a cultural icon with the death of Cuban singer-songwriter Marta Valdés at the age of 90. The Ministry of Culture announced her passing, honoring her as a distinguished performer, troubadour, and music critic.
In September, the Cuban-American community mourned the loss of Alan Ernesto Vera García, a wrestler from Santiago de Cuba who made history as the first Cuban to win a U.S. national championship in Greco-Roman wrestling. Tragically, he passed away at just 33 years old. A fundraising effort to support his family, including his wife and their newborn daughter, indicated he suffered a cardiac arrest while playing soccer shortly before his death.