Elizabeth L Cespedes

In Loving Memory of Elizabeth L. Cespedes

Elizabeth L. Cespedes, beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, educator, businesswoman, and friend, and neighbor passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love and comfort of her husband, Anthony.

Elizabeth and Anthony shared 39 beautiful years together and celebrated 35 years of marriage. Their life together was filled with love, laughter, hard work, treasured memories, and a deep devotion to one another. The bond they shared was something truly special. Elizabeth and Anthony met at Haagen Daz’s Ice Cream Parlor in 1987 while Anthony was attending Broward College and chance meeting that evening over cookies and cream shake and a vanilla soft serve. Their bond strengthened with over 2 years of daily phone calls on Anthony arrived at work at Formica Corporation as a paid internship spent countless hours getting to know each other, setting up dates, and meeting each other’s families over time.

Elizabeth and Anthony married in 1991 while Anthony Cespedes served at Homestead Air Force Base and activated for Operation Desert Storm. Elizabeth enjoyed meeting with other Wives and spouses of other activated military members at Homestead Air Force Base. Elizabeth and Anthony, being very loyal, have also maintained those relationships ever since to this day.

Elizabeth was the cherished daughter of Gerard and Betty Lou Short. She leaves behind her siblings, Cecilia Lockler, Frances Short, Gerard Short, and Alfred Short (Kim), as well as her beloved nephews, Thomas “Tommy” Short, Joseph “Joey” Short, and Michael “Mikey” Short. She is preceded in death by her Grandparents Alfred and Cecilia Girardi, who Elizabeth adored.

Elizabeth touched countless lives through both her professional and personal life. She became a director and educator of kindergarten and elementary students, where her compassion, dedication, and love for children left a lasting impression. She also served as Vice President of the family business, bringing the same pride, commitment, and heart to everything she did. She was admired and loved by those who worked alongside her and by many people who were fortunate enough to know her personally.

Elizabeth had a remarkable ability to listen with empathy, reassure those, and lift them up with positive outlook, and took pride in the things and people she loved. She cherished her home and took great joy in making it beautiful. She loved flower arranging, gardening, and, of course, spending time wandering through Hobby Lobby finding the next perfect project or treasure. Christmas and Thanksgiving were spectacular times in her home that brought out the tree from the attic months in advance, decorating the entire home, and setting the mood with music and candles to bring it all together. Spring and Fall were other traditionally other favorite times of year, and she and Anthony shared the tradition of spring and winter cleaning together, turning even ordinary days into something they could enjoy side by side. Anthony always boasted, “Nobody” has more pride in their home more than “Liz.”

Her love extended deeply to her pets, each of whom held a special place in her heart over the years: Jasmine, Mr. Hemmingway, Princess, Rocky, Louie, Bella, Miracle, and Prescilla. They were not simply pets to Elizabeth; they were family.

Elizabeth was always hysterically funny, Anthony shared that they would binge on different themes of television and movies and enjoyed a good, scary movie, relished in regular and romantic comedies. They were always in each other’s heads. When you love spending time, sharing life stories, having similar interests, look forward to the next best meal you ever had in your life. You have a sense of your lifelong partner and friend.

Elizabeth lived with her whole heart. She found beauty in her surroundings, joy in the little things, and tremendous value in the friendships she cultivated throughout her life. She was proud of what she built, proud of the people she loved, and proud of the home and life she shared with Anthony. Those who knew her professionally and personally will remember her warmth, generosity, determination, and the unmistakable love she had for the people and things that mattered most to her.

Though Elizabeth is no longer with us, the love she gave will continue through the lives she touched, the children she taught, the family she treasured, the friendships she nurtured, and the memories she created.

To honor Elizabeth’s compassionate heart and the causes she cared about, memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation or the Humane Society of Gainesville, and Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.

Elizabeth will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.