ESPINOSA, ALICIA co-founder of Conchita Espinosa Academy and Conservatory of the Arts, died on August 18, 2017 at the age of 99. Alicia Espinosa was born in Havana, Cuba. A woman of many interests and talents, Alicia was a musician, an avid reader, and the devoted, loving friend and sister to Conchita Espinosa, supporting and truly being "the wind beneath Conchita's wings." She was at Conchita's side in opening her first conservatory and school in Havana in 1933. Three decades later, as Conchita continued her life's work in Miami, Alicia remained in Cuba, closing their school and ensuring that all teachers and employees were properly compensated and aided, before joining Conchita in Miami in 1961. In Miami, Alicia resumed her work, supporting Conchita's dream and vision of rebuilding their school. For 80 years, Alicia was the constant presence in structuring her sister's vision and instrumental to the daily functioning of the school. Alicia was also a gifted piano teacher, particularly with the youngest children. She had a special talent for coaxing little fingers and hearts to the right keys and correct attitude. Alicia was never one to seek the limelight. She had no aspiration of power, but knew deeply the power of love and shared it unconditionally. Her constancy, patience, peacemaking, humility, humor, resilience, service, and hard work were threads woven into the legacy and tapestry of CEA. She was a woman of few words but great action and diligence, dedicating her life to her sister Conchita, her niece and nephew Maribel and Luis, her grand-nieces, Carol and Ana, and, of course, the school. Her life's work is continued through her niece, Conchita's daughter, Maribel Zubieta Diaz, the Director of Conchita Espinosa Academy and Conservatory of the Arts, her great-nieces, Carol Diaz-Zubieta, Upper School Principal of CEA, and Dr. Ana Diaz-Zubieta, psychologist, as well as the many students who have returned as teachers and parents, bringing their own children to reap the benefits of the CEA education. Beautiful buildings stand on solid foundations, and CEA stands on Conchita's legacy and the unfailing strength and love of her younger sister, Alicia. A mass in celebration of Alicia Espinosa's life will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church,