Consuelo Barreto

Consuelo Barreto was born on August 31, 1932, in Havana, Cuba, to Juan and Rosa Sangroni. She was the youngest of three daughters, joining her beloved sisters, Georgina "La China" Figueroa Barreto and Ester "La- Mulatta" Quesada, and two siblings on her father's side. Growing up in Havana, she embraced the values that would guide her throughout her life; the importance of family, perseverance, generosity, and opening one's heart to others.

Filled with ambition, Consuelo came to the United States in 1949, alongside Lazara “Niña” Huesa Cruz, and Jose “Monguito” Santamaria. Like so many who left the island they loved, she carried the warmth of Cuba with her wherever she went, building a life rooted in hard work, and resilience. After arriving in New York, she worked as a seamstress, sewing zippers onto military luggage before later becoming part of the vibrant community at the legendary La Marqueta in East Harlem. She married the love of her life, the renowned songwriter and composer, Justiniano "Justi" Barreto Sr. Together they built a home filled with love, and memories that would last for generations.

She found joy in transforming fabric into beautiful dresses, curtains, tablecloths, bedding, and countless handmade treasures that continue to be cherished today. Of all the garments she ever created, none brought her greater joy than the clothing she lovingly sewed for her own children. Every stitch reflected her unconditional devotion as a mother.

She was lovingly reunited with her husband, Justiniano "Justi" Barreto Sr., and her beloved first-born son, Justi Barreto Jr., her parents Juan and Rosa, sisters Georgina and Ester, her nieces, Caridad, Ludivina, and nephew Evangelio.

She is survived by her daughters Amelia Barreto and Lizette Sanjurjo, her son, Angelo Barreto and his wife Barbara. Her first grandchild, Justina Barreto, Carol the mother of her grandchildren, Angelo Jayson Barreto, and Ariana Barreto; and Justina’s children, Consuelo’s adored great-grandchildren, Christian Ellis, Alysia Ellis, Francis “Tre” Covelesky, and Madison Covelesky. Her cousin/Godmother Niña, and her loving children Pedro, Robertico, Dr.Brenda, Barbara, Dr.Mercedes, Caridad, Michelle, and their beautiful grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her nephew Monguito, his wife and loving children, and all her caring friends, whose lives were blessed by her boundless love.

Her compassion extended well beyond her own family. She had a remarkable gift for caring for others and often welcomed children into her home, loving and nurturing them as if they were her own.

To know Consuelo was to experience kindness without conditions, generosity without hesitation, and love without limits.

As the beloved matriarch of a family whose branches extend far and wide, Consuelo's greatest legacy is not measured by the things she made, but by the lives she touched. She showed her family that love is found in everyday acts of service: a warm meal shared around the table, clothes sewn with careful hands, comforting words during difficult times, and a home where

everyone belonged. She led with quiet strength, fierce independence, and unwavering determination, inspiring each generation to meet life's challenges with grace and resilience.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we are comforted knowing that her love lives on in everyone she nurtured, every grandchild and great grandchild she adored, and every life forever changed by her love. Like the finest thread in one of her beautiful creations, her love has been woven into the fabric of our family, strong, enduring, and impossible to unravel.

Though we will miss your laughter, your wisdom, your warm hugs, and the comforting presence that made every house feel like home, we know your spirit will continue to guide us.

Descansa en paz, Mamá. Descansa en paz, Abuela. Tu amor vivida por siempre en nuestros corazones.