Rosa Sanabria

Rosa Sanabria, 75, passed away of complications from congestive heart failure, at her home, on October 6, 2014 while surrounded by her two daughters. The second youngest of 9 children, Rosa was born in Camaguey, Cuba on October 1, 1939. Rosa's parents, Rosa and Arturo, raised her to become a caring, nurturing and selfless person who believed in a strong educational foundation. After earning her nursing degree from la Escuela de Salud Publica in 1963, Rosa was able to fulfill her desire to care for others. It was during her nursing studies that Rosa met the love of her life, Dr. Juan de la Cruz Sanabria, whom she married on February 14, 1962. In 1964, Rosa and Juan had their first daughter, Isabel, and two years later, seeking refuge from the regime of Fidel Castro, the three moved to Miami, Florida. Two years following, in 1967, they had their second daughter, Elena, and in 1974 set roots in their final hometown, Lakeland, Florida, where Rosa lived for 40 years. While the majority of her family stayed behind in Cuba, Rosa devoted her life to raising her family and developing strong bonds with intergenerational friends that soon became ""extended family."" Grandchildren held a special place in Rosa""s heart. She took pride in everything they did and was an instrumental and influential part of their lives. As she was naturally prone to do, Rosa selflessly cared for her Father, Mother-in-law, Father-in-Law and husband throughout the last months of their lives, with the heart and compassion that only an angel could possess. Rosa lived a beautiful and fulfilling life with the highest of morals and the utmost integrity. She was gregarious, loyal, honest, sincere and loving and was the ""go-to person"" for those close to her in their times of need. Whether it was through preparing a delicious and nurturing meal, being a shoulder to cry on or giving sound advice, Rosa always gave her unconditional love to those she called her family and friends. She will be sorely missed. Rosa is preceded in death by her mother, Rosa Arias; father, Arturo Arias; husband, Juan Sanabria; brothers, Jose Varreiro Gonzalez, Manuel Varreiro Gonzalez, and Antonio Varreiro Gonzalez; and sisters, Compcion Arias Gonzalez, and Candida Arias Gonzalez. She is survived by her daughters Isabel Campbell and Elena Katz (Gregory), 4 grandchildren Christina and Emma Campbell, and Evan and Graham Katz, brothers Andrez Varreiro Gonzalez, Arturo Arias Gonzalez (Elda), and sisters Maria Varreiro Gonzalez and Candida Arias Gonzalez. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 1pm at Heath Funeral Chapel, Lakeland, Florida. Service: 10/11/2014 Heath Funeral Chapel 328 S. Ingraham Ave