Marta Blanca Soler, age 95, of Cannon Falls, and formerly of Florida, died Sunday, January 5, 2020 at her home.

Marta was born on October 4, 1924 in Trinidad, Cuba, the daughter of Manuel Diaz and Josefa (Fornias) Diaz. She grew up there and became an elementary school teacher after graduating from college. On December 26, 1948, Marta was united in marriage to Guillermo Soler in Trinidad. The couple, along with their two daughters, made their way to the United States in March of 1962. They settled first in Miami and then moved to West Palm Beach where they lived for many years. Marta was a very talented seamstress who worked in the fashion industry in Florida. In 2015 they moved to Cannon Falls to be cared for by their daughter. Her husband Guillermo died in 2015.

Marta was an avid reader and enjoyed entertaining their many friends, as well as cooking gourmet foods. She loved poetry and history, especially Cuban History. She was enthusiastic about life, and was known as a witty, fast-thinking Renaissance woman.

Survivors include her children Blanca Soler of Portland, OR, and Marta Garbarino (Joe) of Cannon Falls; grandchildren Havana Soler, Jessica Garbarino, Rebecca (Garbarino) Schoephoerster, Julia Garbarino, Katherine (Garbarino) Behnke, Leo Garbarino, Alex Garbarino, and Rachel Garbarino; and eight great-grandchildren. Marta was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Guillermo.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 from 6 pm – 8 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 23955 Nicolai Ave, Miesville, MN 55033.  A Latin Requiem Mass will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 8, also at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. There will be a visitation from 10-11 am preceding the service at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery immediately following the service. Lundberg Funeral Home of Cannon Falls is assisting the family.