I met Alina in 1989 when I joined Air Canada.  We worked together for 10 years at Miami airport and then several years in cargo until she went back to the airport.  

At one point, in the beginning we were both working part time at Air Canada.  She also worked part time at Cayman Airways and when I also got a part time job there in reservations, she became my instructor.    It was a hectic time for both of us juggling both jobs and our families.   She was always up for the challenge, and she was so smart and knowledgeable.

I will always remember Alina as an honest, joyful, hardworking person who gave her all either at work or with her friends.  She was the kind of friend that even if we did not see each other often we could pick up where we left off.  

We have fond memories of a trip my sons and I took to Egypt.  We met up with her there and since she knew her way around, she made sure we were well taken care of.

I am saddened to think that I cannot pick up the phone and talk to her.  You take for granted that people will always be there and sadly that is not the case.  She has left us too soon but if you are able to smile or have fond memories when thinking of her then that person will never be forgotten.  Rest in peace my friend.

My condolences to Neil, Sarah, their families and friends.

Our deepest condolences for your loss .. Alina was a great neighbor, May her soul rest in eternal peace… 

My memories of Alina:

I remember sitting at the home of Alina’s parents listening to her mom Lulu’s wisdom and observing the genteel kindness of her dad, el Doctor Piña, who was my grandfather’s physician in Miami and as far back as Cienfuegos. 

Brilliant Alina skipped 11th grade and joined our graduating class at what was then Academy of the Assumption. Our parents gifted us a 2 week Mexican adventure including a tour of Ciudad México, Cuernavaca, Taxco and lastly, Acapulco where fortified with strong drink we parasailed 5 consecutive times in one afternoon.  ¡Que locura! Alina’s joie de vivre was unique and infectious. 

When I married in 1980, Alina was my only friend who dared to fly up to Georgetown alone.  Our lives took very different paths and we didn’t see each other for decades until Alina reached out when she read that my brother had passed away. 

We spent a couple of wknds in Delray Beach with Alina & Neil enjoying sunshine & warm breezes as we watched boats passing along the Intercoastal & humongous iguanas perched on the poolside deck. For lunch Alina prepared a delicious charcuterie board with Boars Head meats and in the evening we strolled through and dined at cafés in the vibrant downtown.  At night Alina challenged us to a game of Trivial Pursuit demonstrating that her knowledge of 🌎 Geography was unmatched.

In the spring of 2022 Alina & Neil visited us in Arizona. We gave them a tour of Sedona from which they continued to Williams to embark on the train 🚂 touring the Southern rim of the Grand Canyon, one of the few destinations that Alina had not yet seen. 

The last time I saw Alina was in March 2025. Russ & I met her and Neil for lunch  by the sea at the Ritz Carlton Naples. Alina was joyful and radiant❣️

To say you are and will be missed is an understatement.

Until we meet again 😇

Tu amiga,

Mina 

Our Lady of Częstochowa pray 🙏 for us

Dear family,

In November, we took a cruise through the Caribbean. There, we met Alina and Neil, very warm and lovely people.

We met each other every evening for dinner and exchanged stories. Alina told us she was ill and couldn't eat much, but she quickly found a meal she did enjoy: meatballs with spaghetti, which she was specially served every evening. She talked about her time in Cuba, her daughter, son-in-law, and her granddaughters. We enjoyed the photos she showed us. She told us how proud she was of her Sarah, Alex, and granddaughters. She looked forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with them. We laughed and cried a lot together. In that short time, our acquaintance blossomed into a beautiful, dear friendship. We stayed in touch after the cruise, until Alina stopped responding, and Neil took over. We are deeply saddened by Alina's passing. At our final farewell, we had agreed to meet again at Alina and Neil's home. Everything is different now, everything feels different. However, our love and warmth for Alina and Neil will never change.

We wish Neil, Alex, Sarah, the granddaughters, and everyone—and we believe there are many—much strength, courage, and courage now, but certainly also for the time to come. Loss and grief for a loved one are something you always carry with you, because that is true love.

Love and hugs, Hans and Monique Butter from the Netherlands.

I am so sorry for your loss.  Alina and I meant at the university of Miami while she was dating my friend Henry.  After graduating we stayed in contact throughout our lives trails and tribulations.  Alina always had a smile in her face and her joyous spirt was infectious.  She will be truely missed.

Love you Alina!  Adriana