Marilyn Esperante Figueredo

How do you even begin to try to share the story of someone who, for many including me, was larger than life? When I was first asked to write about her, I wondered, “why me?” I’ve been Marilyn’s (known simply as “Fig” to so many of us) friend only since 1991. Although others have known her far longer, I worked and played closely with her on a daily basis for most of those years. She was often my help, my comfort and my confidante during difficult times, and, I hope, to some degree I was hers as well. So I am going to tell you about “my” Fig. If I were going to create a list of superlatives describing her, it would fill pages and pages; so I’ll tell you what I loved most about her, and I’ll bet if you knew her, these things will bring a knowing smile to your face as well.

When I first moved to the Tampa Bay area from San Francisco, Fig was one of the first people to truly welcome and make me feel at home in a new town and new office. Later I learned that this was so very typical of her - she had done it for others prior to me as well as for many who followed. Fig was so open, friendly and supportive; I quickly came to consider her a friend as well as an incredibly capable, hardworking, and dedicated coworker.

Fig was also a bit of a prankster and a joker. She could spin a tall tale embellished with the most wonderful detail and hold you spellbound - only to end with an impish grin that signaled to you she was pulling your leg! But, even as you declared, “you’re making that up,” she would feign shock or indignation and insist her story was true. She was quick to plan or join in on any prank you wanted to pull. Often the person who had been “pranked” never knew for sure if Fig was the perpetrator which only made things that much more fun. When Deborah Freshwater, Fig and I planned a “Thank You” day away from work for our supervisors, Fig quickly focused on creating a scavenger hunt. With us in tow, she scoured the park where the event was held as she gleefully laid her plans. The convoluted hints she wrote sent everyone scurrying in circles searching for the next clue on the day of our magnificent event. So full of fun, she really wanted the supervisors to have time to be themselves and relax and play after all their hard work. I’m sure April 1st was one of her favorite days.

Having come from Ohio via Northern California, I was not familiar with Hispanic culture. That was another of Fig’s great passions and she reveled in telling her stories - this time true ones - of the history of Ybor City and Tampa. I found them fascinating and would become lost in the past as I envisioned the places and times her words created in my mind. And she had her brujerías - tales of magic and the supernatural which would cause my eyes to widen.

Later, as she became move involved in genealogy and the study of her ancestors, we would talk - sometimes for hours - about the things she had discovered. Incredibly enthusiastic about her own history, Fig helped me become interested in mine. She gave me so many tips on how to find information and even dug some things up for me that she eagerly passed along.

Although Fig did not particularly like to speak to large audiences, she was a consummate public speaker. Eloquent and persuasive, clever and humorous, when Fig was speaking you were riveted on what she was saying. In that same way, she could encourage, discipline, develop and coach the people with whom she worked so effectively. She was direct and honest in her observations and insights. You knew if you heard it from Fig, it bore your review and consideration. As a peer, she was forever available to listen and share insights and advice on how to handle a situation.

Always willing to lend a hand, she was notorious for hooking people up and making business connections. She was quick to help others struggling to make some aspect of their business work, or to start up some new project. She has been regarded as a capable mentor for most of her life.

Fig was a wise and creative business woman as well. She always had some idea for a new business, and we would often talk about some enterprise or other that a group of us could start up to make our fortunes. She was a dreamer. I recall one hysterical business meeting with Fig, Vienna, my husband Jim and I at a Guppies restaurant. We talked about “Road Kill Critters” which were conceived as a humorous novelty item - a version of stuffed animals for adults. We howled as we discussed the different animals that we might create, what they would be called, and how we would market them.

Never has her business acumen been more evident than in this beautiful Cigar City Magazine. Lisa says it was inspired by stories (her aunt) Fig told her growing up. Starting with the concept of creating a vehicle to share information about things they valued and wanted to preserve, this elegant and absorbing magazine was literally born from nothing but a desire to honor their rich heritage. Fig was quoted by Derek Maul in an article about the magazine; "It's the voices of our ancestors… their memories; their stories; their day-to-day life. Getting up and drinking café con leche; putting on their work clothes and having their Cuban bread before going off to work. We're honoring their lives."

But it was not just her business skill that she brought to the magazine; it was also her story telling skill, carefully researching her facts and paying great attention to detail. With her keen vision of the past, she wrote articles which brought history to life for her readers. Many have said that they can hear her voice as they read a story she has written. And despite the photograph that would tell us otherwise, I always suspected that Fig was “Mama” of “Mama Knows.” Of course, no one is telling, but I think I recognize the wry wisdom of her answers.

In addition to preserving cultural history through the Cigar City Magazine, Fig was actively involved in the preservation of Ybor City and West Tampa landmarks - the D. W. Waters Auditorium at the D.W. Waters Career Center on North Highland just to name one. She also consulted on two musicals, Cigar City Chronicles and In Ybor City. Historical expertise, enthusiasm and support were a small part of what she offered to both. She was passionate about her family and friends. We had so many talks during which she would share stories about her brothers Joe and Ernie, her newly found half brother Ron, and her nieces and nephews and “grands,” Vienna - her best friend for 25 years - and many other people close to her. She loved them all so much. She always beamed when she spoke of those she was so proud of.

Fig was a genuinely loyal friend to whom anything was possible. Although short of stature, she was monumental of heart. And, if you ever received one of her hugs, you knew you had received a treasure. Fig had more true and caring friends than most people could ever hope for. Even those who just met her responded immediately to her warmth and intelligent wit. She was constantly returning the love she received, especially when someone was hurting or in need.

I admired Fig because she stubbornly stood up for what she believed was right, and expressed her opinions even when she knew her position might be unpopular. She was a person who brought out the very best in others by making one constantly evaluate a position, whether it was politics, human rights, animal rights, or business.

Fig was a quietly spiritual person as well. We had so many talks about various religious beliefs, God, saints, sinners and our role here on earth - thought provoking talks. She was always seeking insight into the eternal questions.

For all of these reasons and so many more, it is painfully difficult to bear Marilyn’s absence. Although it is said that time eases the pain we feel for ones we have lost, today I have trouble believing that will be true. And I know that no amount of time will ever erase the vivid memories I have of this person who meant so very much to me.

My dear friend, it is with overwhelming sadness that we, the ones you have left behind, say goodbye and ¡buen viaje! We will always love you and remember the beautiful person you were and the bright spot you created in our lives every time we saw or talked to you. We will hold you close in our hearts. We ache in the absence of your sparkling smile and your warm embrace and we look forward to the day we will be reunited.

"Marilyn Esperante Figueredo" appears in Volume 1, Issue 10 of Cigar City Magazine.

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