With heavy hearts, colleagues, students, and friends bid farewell on Tuesday to Isabel Mata, a revered figure in education from Sagua la Grande, Villa Clara. Her legacy has profoundly impacted generations of educators in the region.
The Medical Sciences Faculty of Sagua la Grande announced on Facebook the passing of this distinguished educator, celebrated for her unwavering dedication to teaching. In a heartfelt tribute, the institution praised her as a "teacher of teachers" and an "everlasting example" for future educators. Mata is remembered not only as an exemplary instructor but also as a cherished friend and advisor to those fortunate enough to have known her.
From the beginning of her career, Mata demonstrated an absolute commitment to education, participating in the Literacy Campaign, where she symbolically used a Chinese lantern to inspire hope and courage in the fight against ignorance. "In the memory of all, Isabel Mata, the eternal educator, will forever be remembered for her impact on those who had the privilege of knowing her," stated the Medical Sciences Faculty.
"Your colleagues and students will uphold your legacy, which will live on in the memories of all who knew and learned from your example," concluded the poignant message of condolence, highlighting Mata's influence across various educational settings.
In the comments section, many people emphasized not just her professional excellence but also her human values, which made her an exceptional teacher and admirable colleague.
On a related note, this Sunday in Santiago de Cuba, the passing of Dr. Elicio de Jesús Rodríguez Martí, a prominent proctologist, was mourned. He passed away following a brief and sudden illness. The "Saturnino Lora Torres" Provincial Clinical Surgical Teaching Hospital announced on Facebook that Rodríguez, born on December 19, 1945, and regarded as a pioneer in Coloproctology in eastern Cuba post-1959, left an indelible mark on Cuban medicine.
Additionally, on the same day, Cuban paramedics grieved the loss of Yosmedy García Cobas, a young colleague from the Medical Emergency System (SIUM) in Havana, affectionately known as "El Moro." Aris Arias Batalla, head of Operations and Rescue in Santiago de Cuba, expressed condolences on Facebook: "We mourn the loss of our dear colleague Yosmedy García, affectionately called 'El Moro.' You left us too young, taken by a disease that claimed your life so quickly."