Gardenia Irma Romeu

Gardenia Irma Romeu was born on April 16, 1933 in Havana, Cuba. Affectionately known as “Cusita”, was the daughter of Armando Alodio Romeu and Angelica Gonzáles. She was the youngest of nine children.

She was born into a very distinguished Cuban family of musicians and a line of military family members as well. She was an avid songwriter and singer, as well as poet. For many years, she worked as a cosmetologist, licensed in the state of Texas. She was active in her church and sang in her church choir. Having grown up around beautiful Cuban beaches, she spent a lot of time near the ocean and loved fishing. But more than anything, she loved spending time with her family and many friends. Anyone who knew Cusita was touched by her kindness, humor, and mild temperament. She was always a source of positivity.

She met her husband, Jose Carvajal, when they were both teenagers. They were married for almost 70 years until he passed in 2017. A mother of five boys, Frankie, Eddy, Alex, Ricky and Danny. Her first three sons were born in Cuba. When she was forced out of her homeland, she landed in Miami where her fourth son, Ricky, was born. One year later, she and her husband moved to Panamá and there, her fifth son, Danny, was born. It was not until the mid-70’s that she and her husband decided to move back to Houston and make it their new, and final adopted home. After arriving in Houston, she went on to start several businesses with her husband. They included a clothing boutique and a bakery to name a few.

She died peacefully in her sleep of natural causes at around 3am on June 23rd, 2022. She was 89 years old. We will miss a great human being, a mother, and a friend. She has finally joined the company of her son Eddy and her husband Jose. She is survived by her sister Zulema Romeu, four sons, numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Saturday June 25th, 2022.

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