Berta Claudio

Berta Rosado Bracero Claudio was born in beautiful Vega Baja Puerto Rico on December 13th, 1931 to her parents Alejandrina Bracero & Ruperto Rosado. Nestled in the midst of the holidays, she truly was a gift to all who knew her. The oldest of five children, Berta was like a mother long before she had any children of her own. She took responsibility for all the household chores, assuring her siblings received proper education, ate wholesome meals and played often so that Jose (Pepe), Zoraida (Zorin), Rosa Idanis (Nani), and Carmen (Carmin) may enjoy a carefree childhood.

Pertita, as they would call her, washed clothes in the river, played baseball with the boys and was often found walking barefoot through town so as not to ruin the beautiful new shoes her father bought her. She loved her parents dearly. However, Berta liked a little mischief, especially music and dancing, which her father did not approve of. He drove the ambulance in town and occasionally caught her out when she wasn't supposed to, dancing and being a spirited young girl – truly not the norm at the time.

In the foothills of Vega Baja, she met the Claudio boy, Efrain. Her parents did not want her seeking his companionship and begged her to avoid the family. However, the heart wants what it wants and off she went and did, in fact marry into the Claudio family. They were married on June 7, 1952, before Efrain joined the US Army. Although this caused a rift between Berta and her parents, her father secretly attended their wedding and eventually they reconciled their differences.

Efrain Claudio joined the army to fight in Korea and promised Berta it would give them stability and a better life to support the family they yearned to have. Their first born, Ada, would arrive while still residing in Puerto Rico. Shortly after discharge, Efrain relocated the family to Chicago, Illinois. There they would go on to expand their family with the arrival of Efrain “Frankie,” Edward “David,” a stillborn daughter Yvette, and 10 years later, Isaura “Isa.”

Chicago held some of the happiest memories for Berta, but by the birth of her youngest, Chicago had lost some of its charm for her. Off they went, Bronx bound and arrived in NYC when their oldest children were pre-teens/teens. Isa was the youngest, and Berta sought better for her future. From that time on, it was Berta and her youngest that would take life on by storm. It wasn't an easy life they led, but they led it hand in hand, and side by side, as the older children were marrying and beginning lives and families of their own.

Berta was an exceptional mother, but a legendary grandmother. Her first granddaughter, Joann gave her the nickname Mita, as she could not say Mamita, she simply stated My Mita and Mita was born! Of all of her titles in life, Grandmother, was by far, her favorite! Family was what mattered most to her. She bounced around from Chicago to New York, Virginia, Long Island, Puerto Rico and more to be with family far and wide. She had the privilege of meeting Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren, loving each as if they were the one and only child on the planet. She unquestioningly became a grandma to anyone that might need one!

When she wasn't traveling, she could be found walking Roosevelt Island where she lived since 1982 when she started work at Goldwater Memorial Hospital (now the Graduate Hotel). Always feeling like the First Lady of Main Street, she would affectionately greet everyone she knew. A simple trip to the store for milk could take hours, and she cherished every moment. She often said as long as she could walk, she was happy. Her favorite places to visit were the Church, Senior Center and Main Street Theater and Dance Alliance to watch her grandchildren perform.

Although her life was oftentimes difficult, Berta always kept her faith in God close to heart and a positive, sassy attitude. Funny, sarcastic, witty, and full of love. Even when things got rough, she responded “Querer es Poder” and would find a way.

Of all the places she traveled, Berta felt the most peace while sitting in her chair overlooking the Manhattan skyline, the flowing river below and watching the Roosevelt Island Tram go by. Berta passed after one final cafecito, thumbing through a photo album of her family while sitting in her favorite chair with her beloved granddaughter, Kaitlyn, by her side, on Saturday October 8th, 2022. Berta was 90 years old.

Berta Rosado Bracero Claudio born December 13th, 1931; died October 8th 2022 and lived a long, beautiful life. She lived and died on her terms. Berta is survived and celebrated by her 3 remaining children, Ada Pace (Victor Pace), Efrain Claudio (Lynn Claudio) and Isaura Claudio-Abdul (Charles Abdul) as well as many Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Great Great Grandchildren and more. She will be cremated and reunited with the love of her life Efrain Claudio at Calverton National Cemetery. She always had his back in life, and will continue to do so in the hereafter.

Mita, the love and respect we have for you cannot be expressed in any language, in any universe.

You are made of love and sunshine, and we are honored to be your descendants, carrying your legacy, living in your light and giving a little sass along the way. Te Extrañamos y pedimos que descanses en paz para siempre. Te adoramos, Reina. Until we meet again.