Miriam Sierra

Miriam Sierra, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Durham, NC. She was born on June 12, 1948, in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and later made Brooklyn, NY, her home, where she met the love of her life, Rafael Sierra, in 1966. They married in 1968 and built a life together before moving to Durham in 1989.

Miriam was the devoted mother of Rafael Sierra Jr. and his wife, Kathleen Ryan Sierra, and Christopher Sierra and his wife, Shawana Suitt Sierra. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Christopher Jr., Lauren Sierra, and Tim Thorne. She is also survived by her husband and best friend, Rafael Sierra, her sister, Virgen, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Miriam was the youngest of eight siblings, and her family was always at the center of her heart.

Miriam enjoyed listening and dancing to music. She also enjoyed her visits to the beach.

Miriam had a diverse career, working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Duke Law Office, and at CCB Bank. She later found purpose in her role at Duke University Hospital, where she served as an interpreter, ensuring that Hispanic patients and families received the care and understanding they needed.

Miriam will be remembered for her generosity, love of her family, and the joy she brought to everyone she met. Her gift of kindness will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of Miriam’s life will be planned at a later date. The family will share details once arrangements have been made. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Miriam Sierra to the Hock Family Pavilion, 4321 Medical Park Drive, Suite 100 Durham, NC 27704, or the online giving site Duke HomeCare and Hospice