Celia Sánchez

Celia Sánchez Manduley (May 9, 1920 – January 11, 1980) was a participant of the Cuban Revolution and a close friend, and rumored lover of Fidel Castro.

She was born in Media Luna, Oriente, Cuba. Sánchez joined the struggle against the Batista government following the coup of March 10, 1952. She was the founder of the 26th of July Movement in Manzanillo. Together with Frank País she was one of the first women to assemble a combat squad during the revolution. she was tasked with making all the necessary arrangements throughout the southwest coast region of Cuba, for the Granma landing, and was responsible for organising reinforcements once the revolutionaries landed. In 1957, she joined the guerrillas and served as messenger. Celia placed small telegrams inside a Butterfly flower, so the messages would remain in secret and would not be exposed to the enemy. As a member of the general staff of the Rebel Army she managed to supply Che Guevara and other rebels with weapons, occasionally food and medical supplies.

During the mid to late 1960's, René Vallejo, Castro's physician since 1958, and Sanchez became the Cuban leader's two closest companions. Sánchez was bestowed with the title of Secretary to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and served in the Department of Services of the Council of State until her death of lung cancer in 1980. The Celia Sánchez Memorial in Manzanillo honors her name.