Petra Luisa Badia

Petra was born on November 23, 1942, in Bayamo, Cuba. She immigrated to the United States from Cuba, by way of Mexico, in 1965 fleeing the regime change. She left the country of her birth to meet her husband, Nelson, who was already trying to find his way in the United States. Tirelessly, she supported her husband and family as they worked various jobs to create a new life in the United States. Eventually, she settled in Newton, NJ where her husband found work as a teacher, and then on to Elizabeth, NJ where she stayed for many years to raise her family. Once she became a widow, Petra moved to Surfside, FL to be with family in Miami.

Petra is preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Nelson Badia (d. 2010) and her parents, Luis (d. 2007) and Enedina Miniet (d. 2009). She is survived by her two daughters, Lourdes Castillo of Suffern, NY and Ann Marie Simon of Lansdale, PA, as well as her two sons-in-law, Javier Castillo and Joshua Simon. Petra also leaves five grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Gabrielle Castillo, Aidan Simon, Bryce Simon, Clara Simon, and Deanna Simon.

Donations in memory of Petra can go to her favorite charitable organization: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.