Daisy Maria Robaina

Daisy Maria Robaina quietly departed this life on February 7, 2017 in Visalia, California. Born August 4, 1935, in Victoria de las Tunas, Cuba, Daisy was one of four daughters of the late Augustin and Enedina Torres. Daisy married the love of her life, the late Adalberto Adelfo Robaina, on February 14, 1953. Together, they had three sons: Adalberto, Hector, and Miguel. As communism swept through Cuba, Daisy and Adalberto, along with their children, fled to the United States for the opportunity to create a better life. They arrived in Los Angeles, California on October 30, 1967. Sadly, shortly after entering the U.S., Daisy’s husband passed away suddenly, leaving her as the sole provider of their three children. Alone and afraid in a foreign country, Daisy’s resilience and perseverance quickly took hold. Though she spoke little English, she worked several jobs and long hours to provide food and shelter for her children. She cleaned houses, sold jewelry, and was an inspector at Xerox for over 30 years. During her employment at Xerox, Daisy received Employee of the Month on several occasions, was considered an exceptional employee, and was highly respected by her coworkers, who she thought of as family. Daisy, who found strength through God, gave her life to the Lord at an early age. She was a loyal parishioner at St. Augustine Catholic Church for several decades and instilled her strong Catholic values in her family. Daisy loved reading her bible, praying for and with others, and donating to several charities. Daisy was committed to being a supportive, loving matriarch whose strength grounded her family during life’s triumphs and challenges. Her home never required an invitation; rather friends and family were greeted by her beautiful rose garden outside and welcomed inside with the delicious aroma of Cuban food and strong espresso that she lovingly prepared. Daisy enjoyed traveling and seeing God’s work in cities and countries throughout the World. Though life kept Daisy busy, she took great pride in her appearance and always found time to get her hair, makeup, and nails done. Above all, Daisy showed others what unconditional love looked and felt like. Her heart and generosity knew no bounds, especially for her grandchildren. Daisy’s life was as beautiful as the roses that she loved so well, and her influence will forever remain in the lives of all who knew and loved her. Daisy was preceded in life by her husband, parents, and siblings Melba Gutierrez and Dora Torres. Daisy is survived by her sons Adalberto and his wife Noemi, Hector, and Miguel and his wife Niccole; her sister Elda Torres; 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A vigil for Daisy Robaina will be held at A.M. Gamby Funeral Home, 25001 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, CA on Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 4:00-8:00pm with a rosary ceremony to be held at 6:00pm. A simple Graveside service celebrating Daisy’s life will be held Friday, February 17, 2017 at 10:00am at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230. All friends and family are welcome to attend.