Cristina Solero

Married in 1955 to Victor Solero-Millan of Ceiba, Puerto Rico, Cristina embraced the military lifestyle, living and traveling across several southern states as well as Verona, Italy. An avid angler alongside her husband, Cristina famously landed her "whale"—earning the monthly award for biggest fish on the 1993 WTOG Bob’s Big Fish Stories. She was also notoriously lucky, frequently enjoying visits to the casino and often coming home a winner.

As the only one of her sisters who learned to drive, Cristina confidently navigated road trips across Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama before she and Victor eventually retired in Florida. A deeply independent woman, she only gave up driving when her sight began to decline in her later years.

She is survived by her son, Victor L. Solero of Land O’ Lakes, FL; her daughter, Betty J. Solero of Seattle, WA; her nieces Hilda Ochoa and Ana Raina Cruz-Collazo (both of Clearwater, FL), Lillian Santiago (Dallas, TX), Margie Cebrian (Newport News, VA), Lydia Martinez (Ocala, FL), and Emilia Hernandez (West Palm Beach, FL); as well as 31 additional beloved family members.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to her extraordinary caregivers—Jane Daoust, Kathleen Webster, and Faye Walston—for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Cristina throughout her remaining years. Special thanks also go to the Suncoast Hospice Team Yellow—Christina Delia Volpe, RN; Kerin Monaco, Social Worker; and Chaplain Joseph Musco—for their dedicated support in her final days. Her family is forever grateful.

A memorial service will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery on December 2 at 11:00 AM.