Well known for her strong will, kindness and independence, Esperanza Olga Mariscal Legorburo de Cuza, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the age of 88. Olga arrived into this world on October 08, 1933, the fifth of six children born to the late Rafael and Esthel Mariscal. Born and raised Roman Catholic in Sagua La Grande, Santa Clara, Cuba. Olga excelled at everything; she earned her Master's Degree in Economics, Arts and Domestic Sciences at the Central University Marta Abreu, Las Villas, Cuba and her Doctorate in Education from Habana University, Habana, Cuba. Having such passion for Learning she became an elementary school teacher in Sagua La Grande, where she was loved and respected by her students.

Olga was a Model in Habana, Cuba, during her college days. Throughout her life Mami loved fashion and was always dressed to the nines no matter where she went. She enjoyed learning, knitting, sewing and watching TV. Even in her final years in life, we didn't go a week without watching two or three action movies. As kids, we went to Sunday matinees of Bruce Lee at the Ritz theatre in Elizabeth, NJ. But, for my mom there was nothing more relaxing than reading her FBI & Spy novelitas. Libros de Bolsillo by Lou Carrigan, starring her favorite spy "Baby". My mom was known as the life of the party, she loved her Latin music and really enjoyed dancing.

In order to escape communism and provide a better life for her family, Olga and her husband, Tony with their two young children Lazi y Tonito came to America via a "Freedom Flight" to Miami in March 1971. In 1971, Olga and her family settled in Elizabeth, New Jersey with the help of her brother-in-law and his family. She and her husband Tony later had one more child Carmencita. It was with hard work and determination that Olga and Tony raised their family and became proud U.S. citizens, but never stopped fighting to see a free Cuba.

My mother Olga sacrificed a lot in her life. Besides leaving her home and career, she left her mother, brother, sisters and other family members to come to America. As a wife and mother, put aside her hopes and dreams in search of new life in a new country. She worked at Polychrome Corporation, Clark, NJ for 20 years until she retired.

Olga is preceded in death by her husband Antonio T. Cuza and her son Lazaro Antonio Cuza (Tony) survived by her daughters, Lazara Corbett of East Brunswick and Carmen Cuza Velez of Florida; and her brother Carlos Fausto Mariscal of Florida. She has 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Olga is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Cissy Cuza of PA, son-in-law, Roy Velez of Florida, and Kathy Corbett who was like daughter of East Brunswick. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones across the US and Cuba.

Funeral service were entrusted to The BRUNSWICK MEMORIAL HOME, East Brunswick. To share fond memories and expressions of sympathy, please visit our "Tributes" page.

Memorial contributions may be made, in Olga's memory, to The American Heart Association, 1 Union Street, Suite 301, Robbinsville, NJ 08691 or at, www.heart.org