Miriam Pina Vanek

Miriam Pina Vanek, daughter of Aristides Pina and Olga Bobea, was born on May 30, 1932 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She was married for fifty years to the late Edward A. Vanek, Sr. They shared a wonderful life together on Long Island and had four children (Dr. Edward A. Vanek II, Deborah A. Vanek Tomeo, Arlene M. Szabo, R.N., and Cheryl D. M. Vanek), six grandchildren (John A. Tomeo, Gabrielle R. Tomeo, Samuel L. Szabo, Alexander M. Szabo, Edward A. Vanek III, and Emiliana L. Pica) and two great grandchildren (Christopher L. Tomeo and Isabella M. Lombardo). Miriam was a lifelong scholar who loved history, art, archaeology, politics and she loved sharing her vast knowledge of all these interests with others. She received the Alpha Sigma honor from the Spanish Department at Hofstra University in 1986. In 1989, she obtained an M.A. from Hofstra University and graduated with the highest average in her graduating class. Miriam took courses at The University of Salmanca in Spain and received the highest honors in her class. Miriam was an ESL kindergarten teacher in Brooklyn, P.S. 108. She was an amazing artist (paintings, sculptures/pottery, crocheting and cross stitching), loved to sing, loved and appreciated the arts, was a published author (author of 13 Consequence Street) and a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was strong willed, determined in everything that she did, independent, extremely energetic and fostered the discipline of organization, strength, education and independence in all of her children and grandchildren. She had extremely high expectations and pushed people to be the best that they could be. Her huge spirit and presence will be truly missed. May God bless her and keep her forever and always.