Social media users have expressed their sorrow in recent hours over the passing of Reyna Lobaina Rodríguez, one of the most emblematic figures in the cuisine of Santiago de Cuba, known to all as the “elder lady of La Fontana.”
An old photo posted in the Facebook group "Old Photos, Province, Santiago de Cuba" prompted several users to comment that the woman passed away some time ago in the city, and they reminisced about how she was a model of dedication to her work.
Mirtha Flanders said, "Legendary, active, respectful, selfless, skilled in her performance at the irretrievable Fontana di Trevi."
"Fond memories of Reyna. From a young age, I would go to the Fontana with my parents, and she was an exemplary employee—very quick and with a strong character. May her light shine forever; rest in peace," noted Isabel Maurelo.
For his part, Jordy Lefebre stated, "He passed away about three months ago."
For many, Reyna was the most renowned chef in Santiago de Cuba, and for nearly 60 years she devoted herself to this craft in a city that has recently gained a reputation for poor service in both state-run and private establishments.
Since its inauguration on July 26, 1964, she worked at the iconic pizzeria La Fontana Di Trevi, located in the Las Enramadas Heritage Corridor. It was a beloved establishment known for being an excellent dining spot decades ago, and today it remains a cherished building that everyone looks upon fondly.
However, over the years, saying "La Fontana" and "Reyna" became synonymous in the minds of several generations of people from Santiago.
Despite her extreme thinness, it was always astonishing to see her carry the heavy trays filled with pizzas, pastas, and even up to 30 beers placed on them. This was one of the trademarks that made her famous, along with her kind demeanor, which many claim never wavered even when she was dealing with illnesses or personal issues.
What astonished many was that Reyna, at over 80 years old, continued to work at the establishment she opened, and with the same agility that made her famous, she carried heavy trays filled with dishes and bottles.
In 2019, he gave an interview to CiberCuba in which he lamented that, after more than eight decades of life and over 55 years dedicated to working for the Cuban regime, the latter never fulfilled his dream of having his own home.
At her home, Reyna kept all the journalistic work in which she had appeared, including those done by the local television.
However, she admitted that she regretted, along with the more than 10 family members she lived with, the loss of the old photos that showed her working in the microbrigade, the long hours spent to secure her home.
"At 82 years old, I continue to work because I want to have my own home, and the whole world knows that," she stated emphatically and without hesitation during the interview given in 2019.
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