Bertila Isabel "Nana" Gómez

The first phase of her life was in Habana Vieja (Old Havana) and was the youngest of eleven children. Due to the family economic situation, her education was limited to elementary school.

As a young woman, she met Manuel Gómez, also known as Manolo & Molo, the love of her life. They married on December 8, 1947. They jointly created the second phase of Bertila’s life by connecting their individual musical talents. Manolo as composer and self-taught guitarist and Bertila’s outstanding ability as vocal performer. She had a beautiful voice and from her early years as a little girl sang and competed on the radio and won most of the time. Her beautiful singing ability remained with her until the late eighties. Unfortunately, she became reluctant to sing with family and friends, most likely, erroneously thinking that the talent abandoned her. Also influenced by the passing of Manolo in on July 6, 1985, at the age of sixty-six.

On October 14, 1950, God blessed them with the most remarkable moment of their lives, with the arrival of Brenda. Their lives were dedicated to providing everything for her to have a happy, loving and healthy life. This dedication created some economic challenges, but their love and faith in each other helped them achieve their goals.

Until their forced departure from Cuba, Manolo on January 5, 1961, followed by Bertila & Brenda 5 months later on June 2, Bertila dedicated her life to care for Brenda who was 10 years old at the time they left Cuba. Manolo’s earlier departure to Miami, Florida, created major challenges for Bertila in Cuba, but with the help of family and friends, they remained safe and were able to join him.

As most families confronted with political asylum, Bertila, Manolo & Brenda had to make major adjustments related to accommodations, and other personal necessities. Once again, her unselfishness not only allowed her to take care of her family, but also provided care for members for extended family and friends.

In 1962 encouraged by close friends and Manolo’s niece, they relocated to California, where Bertila, for the first time in her life, needed to find outside employment in the garment and other manufacturing organizations. It was difficult for her, Manolo and Brenda, but again they were able to help each other and survive.

Bertila played an important role in Brenda and I’s marriage… we called it a “family arrangement” …as many of you know my mom and her were taking English classes at St. Kevin’s Catholic Church in Los Angeles; they became friends and found a motherly approach to connect us. With God’s blessing the event has lasted for 51 years.

From our union Bertila received the blessing of three granddaughters (Victoria, Melissa & Jessica), her most precious gifts, who gave her and Manolo new names (Nana and Tata). From then on, until the time of her death, Bertila was known to everyone as “Nana”, definitely her choice. The rewards for creating a beautiful family continued with the arrival of six great grandkids (Bella, Dani, Andrew, Carson, J.D. and Kayla). Again, it was beautiful to see how much happiness and pride she showed when showing their pictures and/or talking about their accomplishments.

As the above illustrates, Bertila will be remembered for the love and unselfish actions she provided her family and friends. May God bless and embrace her in His loving arms.