Dora Mirta Cigelske, affectionately known to her family as Mama Dora, passed away peacefully at her home in Rockledge, Florida, on January 9, 2026, at the age of 89.

Mama Dora was born on May 6, 1936, in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, to Jesus Candelaria Reyes and Nieves Lazo Rodriges. She grew up in Pinar del Rio, surrounded by family, culture, and the warmth of Cuban life.

In pursuit of a better life for her children, Dora courageously immigrated to the United States with her four young children. Arriving with little more than the clothes on her back, she worked tirelessly to build a future for her family--first in a clothing mill and later, after moving to Florida, as a waitress at El Charro Mexican Restaurant, where she worked for more than 20 years and was embraced as family by the owners and staff.

Mama Dora was deeply proud of the life she created through hard work, perseverance, and faith. She built a home in North Carolina for herself and her children and devoted her life to caring for her family. She was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her large family was her greatest joy.

In Cuba, Dora was married to Oscar Loaces, the father of her four children. While Dora was able to bring her children to the United States, Oscar was required to remain in Cuba for many years. After two decades, he was finally permitted to join the family in the United States before his passing. Later in life, Dora married Orland Cigelske, and they eventually settled in Florida.

Mama Dora was a devoted Christian woman whose faith guided her throughout her life. She worshiped faithfully at Second Baptist Church in Shelby, North Carolina, and later at Rockledge Christian Center in Rockledge, Florida.

She was known for her sweet and caring nature, her infectious laugh, and her bubbly personality. Though gentle and loving, she was also strong-willed and confident -- a true matriarch. She was a tireless worker, an exceptional Cuban cook, and a woman who always took pride in her appearance, never leaving home without her hair and makeup done.

Mama Dora loved attending church and working in her yard. Though she lived in Florida, her garden reflected her Cuban roots--filled with tropical plants, mangoes, avocados, and oranges lovingly grown by her hands.

She is survived by her children:

Magaly Sullivan, Rockledge, Florida

Francisco Loaces, Concord, North Carolina

Jesus Loaces, Shelby, North Carolina


She was preceded in death by her son Omar Loaces.



She is lovingly survived by her grandchildren and their families:

Jennifer Lawrence, child of Magaly Sullivan and Steve Sullivan, and her husband Jason Lawrence, and their daughters Paula and Maggie

Christopher Sullivan, child of Magaly Sullivan and Steve Sullivan, and his wife Heather Jonacho-Sullivan, and their children Liam, Elyanna & Alyvia.

Taylor Loaces, child of Francisco Loaces and Sharon Hutchens, and his wife Alex Loaces, and their children Beckett and Dahlia

Brynn Throop, child of Francisco Loaces and Tracy Rouse, and her husband Brandon Throop, and their daughter Millie

Justin Loaces, child of Jesus Loaces and Denise McCoy, and his partner Sandy Ellis, and their children Drake and Blaise

Ashley Loaces, child of Jesus Loaces and Denise McCoy, and her son Jace Blanton

Even Loaces, child of Omar Loaces and Samay Cisneros, and his wife Annamarie Loaces, and their children Ellie and Santi

Leslie Henderson, child of Omar Loaces and Samay Cisneros, and her husband Dylan Henderson, and their children Rory and Max

Saray Cisneros, step-child of Omar Loaces with Samay Cisneros, and her daughters Sara and Gabriela

Imara Toney, step-child of Omar Loaces with Samay Cisneros, and her husband Scott Toney



She is also survived by her siblings and their families:

Maria Matheson, Shelby, North Carolina

Emelina Longoria, Rockledge, Florida

Pedro Jesus Candelaria, Pinar del Rio, Cuba

Luis Alberto Candelaria, Pinar del Rio, Cuba



Mama Dora was preceded in death by her parents and her 3 brothers Israel Candelaria, Eduardo Candelaria, and Rolando Candelaria.


Funeral services will be held on January 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory, 106 Cherryville Road, Shelby, North Carolina. Family and friends will be received for visitation, followed by a service at the funeral home & graveside gathering that will take place at Cleveland Memorial Park in Shelby for final goodbyes.


Following the services, family and friends are warmly invited to gather for food and fellowship at the home of Even and Annamarie Loaces, located at 1080 Providence Road, Shelby, North Carolina.


We take comfort in knowing exactly where Mama Dora is--at home in Heaven--and we have peace knowing she is watching over us until the day we are reunited with her again.


"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself;

that where I am, there ye may be also."

-- John 14:2-3