Dear FACDL-Miami members,
Damaris Del Valle sent the following for our membership regarding FACDL-Miami member Dayana Nogareda:
It is with great sadness that I share the news that our colleague and friend, Dayana Nogareda, passed away early this morning at the age of 32. Dayana was diagnosed with brain cancer almost
two years ago. While many experts said she did not have more than nine months to live, Dayana—being ever the fighter—survived for 20 months until her battle with cancer ended this morning. Dayana was surrounded by her family, her boyfriend, and friends who
loved her dearly.
Those of you that knew Dayana know that she loved animals (especially pigs) and fighting for justice. She immigrated to America from Cuba as a young child. The combination of her work ethic
and natural intelligence allowed her to take advantage of everything America had to offer. After graduating from law school, Dayana became an Assistant Public Defender who worked tirelessly for her clients. She was an amazing advocate, a phenomenal friend,
and a beloved daughter and sister. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
As information about her service becomes available, I will be sure to share it with the listserv.
Damaris Del Valle
We did not know this young woman, but her untimely death serves as a reminder of the fragility of life. None of us know the amount of time granted to us on this earth. But we are reminded of the words of a lawyer who passed away recently- Philip Carlton - who was deeply religious and often said "Do not be afraid of death. Be afraid of not living a meaningful life."
By all accounts Dayana Nogareda lived a meaningful life.
Mason Kerns wrote:
Good Afternoon,
Thank you all for your support at this difficult time. I write to inform everyone that:
Dayana's viewing will be this Friday, February 28th, at 6:00 p.m., at the Caballero Rivero Little Havana funeral home, 3344 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, Florida 33135. The ending time is TBD.
and
A ceremony and Dayana's burial will be the next day, Saturday, February 29th, at 1:15 p.m., at Our Lady of Mercy Ascension Chapel, 11411 Northwest 25th Street, Doral, Florida 33172.
Please do not send flowers. Dayana wanted any money that would be used for flowers to instead be donated to charity, along with the unused portion of her Go Fund Me medical fund. I will send out a link tonight or tomorrow with details.
Best,
-Mason