Miriam Fernandez

Miriam de la Caridad Fernandez Valdes, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at home, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Born on January 2, 1943, in Guane, Pinar del Rio, Cuba, Miriam was the beloved matriarch of her family. She was the devoted mother of Mailyn Salabarria, the lifelong partner of Julio Ernesto Salabarria, and the sister of Yolanda Cecilia Fernandez Valdez. She served as a motherly aunt to Margarita, Mariela and Marlen Salabarria and Antonio Bermudez, and was the proud grandmother of eight grandchildren born in Cuba, Spain, and the United States.

A woman of quiet strength and resilience, Miriam was deeply devoted to the Virgin of La Caridad del Cobre, the patron saint of Cuba. She found joy in music, sunflowers, and the color yellow, and possessed a remarkable talent for cooking and welcoming others into her home with warmth and generosity. Her willpower and determination helped her overcome many adversities, while her love of music, cooking, and her natural ability to form friendships brought light and laughter to everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Oscar Fernandez; her mother, Paula Valdes; her sister, Mercedes Fernandez; her brother, Roberto Fernandez; and her brother-in-law, Manuel Alberto Salabarria.

Miriam is survived by her life partner, Julio Ernesto Salabarria; her daughter, Mailyn Salabarria; her sister, Yolanda; her nieces and nephew; and her grandchildren, Adrian, Aranzazu, Elianny, Ernesto Javier, Alain Manuel, Darian, Nicolas, and Victoria Grace. She leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory. Her loving sacrifices as a mother, aunt, and grandmother shaped generations and created a legacy that crossed borders. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.