Nadina Lavernia

Nadina Lavernia, age 90 of Lighthouse Point, FL passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her husband, her children and her caretaker on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. She was born on May 16, 1932 to Bienvenido and Angelina Vega in Guines, Cuba.

Nadina is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Ivan, her daughters, Olga (Brian) Cooil, Nadina (Fred) Filippini, Ivonne (Doug) Robbins, her son, Ivan Ryan Lavernia, her beloved 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, her sister, Daisy (Fidel) Gomez, her caretaker, Susmira Padilla and many nieces and nephews.

Her and Ivan’s remarkable love story began when they were 15 in High School. They married in 1958 and had 2 daughters, Olga & Nadina then began the Cuban Revolution and their lives were turned upside down.

On August 13th, 1961, they made the difficult decision to leave the only home they knew, and left with the clothes on their backs to the United States. She made the ultimate sacrifice for her own family as she left her parents, sisters and brother behind not knowing if they would ever return.

They moved to Chicago, Illinois, where their daughter, Ivonne was born. Shortly after, they moved to St. Elmo, Illinois where Ivan and his brother began their Medical Practice and they resided there for 7 years. Their son, Ivan Ryan, was born during their time there.

Nadina never got used to the cold weather so they decided to move to South Florida for warmer climate in November, 1970 to Boca Raton, FL.

In October 1976, the family moved to their dream home in Lighthouse Point, FL, and her wish of being able to die at home was fulfilled with the loving care of her husband for the past 4 years as her health continued to deteriorate. To see their love and commitment for each other is a gift and testament to “in sickness and in health till death do us part”.

To know Nadina was to know the meaning of elegance, class, gracefulness, beauty, commitment, and sacrifice, but Nadina’s love for her family will be her biggest legacy.

Though our hearts our broken, we were truly blessed to have her in our lives!

The family wishes to thank everyone for their words of comfort during this difficult time. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawnnorth.com. Flowers are welcomed and donations can be made to Catholic Hospice-Broward Office in honor of Nadina.

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.