Bertha L. Perez

Bertha Louise Paula Perez 81, of Port St Lucie, FL passed away on March 1, 2018 after a brave battle with cancer. She was born in Philadelphia, PA on June 5, 1935 to the late Zoraida Paula and Rodolfo Paula.

She is predeceased by her cherished husband Antonio Perez, Jr.

Bertha was the beloved mother of 3 sons, Anthony and his wife Arit of Newburgh, NY, David and his wife Jenifer of Nashville, TN and Paul and his wife Laverne of West Babylon, NY; and adored grandmother of Jillian, David, Elizabeth, Matthew, Andraya, Isabelle, Kate, and Lillye.

Bertha grew up in New York City. She received her PhD in Education from Columbia University with a focus on Special Education. She also received her Master in Education from Queens College in New York City and her Undergraduate from CCNY in New York City.

Bertha and Antonio shared a home for over 36 years with Antonio’s sister Ida and her husband Humberto and their three daughters Nancy, Christine and Yvonne, as well as Antonio’s mother Ofeila Perez. The home was filled with love, great food, family celebrations, music and laughter.

Bertha enjoyed being a part of the “Campers”. The Camper group included loving family members Hilda and Ray and dear friends Phil and Loretta and Marion and Jerry. They enjoyed playing games, spending time together and, most of all, putting on their famous skits.

She was a dedicated and enthusiastic educator for the entirety of her career. Her last role was Professor at SUNY of Old Westbury in New York, for which she held various leadership roles including the Head of the Department of Education as well as leading the Special Education Department.

Bertha held many positions in various organizations focused on special education most notably President of the New York Chapter for United Cerebral Palsy.

Bertha and Antonio retired to Port St. Lucie in 1999. Bertha was an extremely active member in the community and in her church, The Unitarian Universalist Church of Stuart. She held many positions in the church, one of which was treasurer.

Bertha also became a State of Florida Guardian for abused and neglected children. In addition, she was a bartender, belly dancer and enjoyed being with her loving group of friends.

Services will be held on Sunday March 4th in Port St. Lucie Florida at Aycock Funeral Home 1170 SW Bayshore Blvd. from 2 to 5. Also, A Celebration of her life will be held in New York on March 10th at the home of Paul and Laverne. 1448 10th Street, West Babylon, New York on Saturday, March 10, 2018 between 1 pm – 8 pm. Food and beverages will be provided.

Also, if so inclined, in lieu of flowers to honor Bertha you can choose to support; United Cerebral Palsy, http://ucp.org/ or 800.872.5827 at one time Bertha was the New York Chapter President, American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/; St Jude https://shop.stjude.org/ or 800.805.5856.