Florinda Gomez

January 22, 1936 - January 5, 2022

Florinda Del Cid de Gomez, lovingly known as either “Niña Flor,” and “Mama/Abuelita,” passed away Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, at Tampa General Hospital a few weeks before her 86th birthday. She was born in Jucuapa, El Salvador on January 22nd, 1936. She grew up, married, raised her 3 children, and retired from a celebrated and admired career as an elementary school teacher in her beloved town of Santiago de Maria before she moved to the United States with her husband and family in 1979. She lived in New York for over 30 years but resided in Florida with her family for the past 21 years. Preceded in death by her loving parents, Eustaquio Rivas and Florinda Del Cid, her former husband, Mario Gomez; Her siblings Elena Guadalupe, Argelia, Mirna, and Tere, and her loving grandson Carlos Mario Quintanilla. Survived by her brother, Carlos Alberto and her three children and their spouses: Mario and Vilma, Elmer Balmore (Moris) and Beatriz, and Gianna Quintanilla; 8 grandchildren: Karla Elisa, Vilma Alicia (Mimi), Vanessa, Gianna, Edgardo, Danny, Mario, and Natalie; 12 great grandchildren: Daisha, David Angel, David Louis, Jacob, Andrew, Angelia, Alicianna, Albalisse, Olivia (Livy), Sofia, Sarah (Maggie), and Isabella; numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren; countless friends and former students, and co-workers. She was a respected, inspirational, strong, and admired woman both here in the United States and in her hometown in El Salvador. She loved to laugh, cook for you, tell you the best stories and share her passion for education, working hard, and being the best you can be. Family was everything to her and over the years she never failed to be there for those she loved so much. When you saw Abuela she most likely had a napkin tightly held in her hand and she would squeeze you tight and even bite your forehead (if you were lucky) just to show just how much she loved and missed you. She would make sure you did not leave her sight without laying out a feast and showing you her most caring and generous ways. If you were in her care as a child in any point of your life, you most likely remember her reading, her songs, her games and her very strict, firm, but loving ways. Abuelita you were our matriarch, our queen, the head of our family and we thank you for all your sacrifices, hard-work, education, advice, support, care, and most of all we thank you for your love and the wonderful, ever-lasting memories we will all cherish. You were our everything and we are all so grateful you are with the Lord now, dancing, and singing in heaven, free of pain or sorrow. The family would like to deeply thank Tampa General Hospital and all her doctors, nurses, and caregivers over the years for their kindness, attention, care, and love. “La muerte no existe, la gente solo muere cuando la olvidan; si puedes recordarme siempre estare contigo.” – Isabel Allende “There is no death, people die only when we forget them; if you can remember me, I will be with you always.” – Isabel Allende You are in our hearts forever, Abuelita…… Services will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Friday, January 14th, 2022, as follows: 4-5pm for immediate family members; 5-6pm Open to all family and friends; 6-7pm Catholic Memorial Service; 7-8pm Open to all family and friends. To view the Live Stream of the service, please click on the following link: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/67060 She will then be transported and return to El Salvador for burial with family. The family asks that we all represent her love for flowers and vibrant colors. Instead of black, please wear a color to represent a vibrant and beautiful flower, just like our Florinda, linda.