Maria "Conchita" Casamayor

In Memory of Maria "Conchita" Casamayor

In loving memory of Maria "Conchita" Casamayor, aka "Abuela". The one thing Abuela held above everything else was her family. She understood, more than most, that family is what holds you up and keeps you together when the world is seemingly falling apart. It was her family that cared for her when her parents died at a young age. It was her family that supported her as they fled Cuba and Castro's terrible regime in the 1960s. And it was her family that became a great source of pride for her as it grew in the United States.


Her two children, Maria and Cesar, each started their own families and so it was that Abuela raised and cared for five grandchildren and, later, five great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was always when her family was together-- barbecues at her house, birthdays, family dinners, and holiday parties were always special to her. Her love of her family is what prompted her to learn how to use an iPad so she could stay connected to her family on Facebook and Instagram.
Abuela also loved to have fun and her favorite place to enjoy herself was at the casino! Her love of the casino took her on adventures all over Miami and Broward, as well as on cruises and, of course, to Las Vegas.


She was a sharp woman, quick with a retort, and always sharpening her mind with her word puzzles and other brain games. She and her husband, the love of her life, would often have "Happy Hour" together at home, drinking whisky and snacking on meats, cheeses, nuts, and crackers. And no Saturday night was complete without Sabado Gigante playing on the TV.
In 2021, Abuela received a Colon Cancer diagnosis. Even at the age of 92, she underwent surgery and other treatments. She passed away at her home, with her family, on her 93rd birthday- July 19, 2022.

The Castaways Against Cancer is a group of cancer fighters that paddle and cycle160 miles from Miami to Key West over 7 days. Their mission is to fund cancer research and honor those who have fought the fight. The donations the Castaways receive this year are being matched by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Research Center which is a Miami-based hospital.

Thank you for the love you have shown our family and the support of this cause that is dear to us.

The Castaways Against Cancer, Inc is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization“ EIN 85-0828323 “ Donations made to the Castaways are tax-deductible in the U.S. They also received a Platinum transparency rating on Guidestar for 2021.

If you prefer to mail a check, make payable to: Castaways Against Cancer 8724 Sunset Drive #357. Miami, FL 33173-3512.