Beatrice Mandry was born on October 24, 1929 on the island of Antigua to the late Viviana Símon and Heraldo Johnson and was raised in Cuba.
She was one of twelve children, six daughters and six sons. As a child, Beatrice grew up attending the Seventh Day Adventist Church with her family.
In 1955, Beatrice immigrated to New York City. While there, she attended school to become a seamstress. She then went on to work for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). Her great skill as a seamstress led her to be elected as the shop steward where she fought to maintain standards fort he union members. Beatrice met Jose Mandry in 1955, and they were joined in Holy Matrimony in 1956.
God blessed their union with two sons, David and Jose Jr.
Beatrice continued to work as a seamstress until 1984 when she opened her own business, “La Guarda Candy Store,” a store that sold newspapers, magazines, and lottery tickets. Her care for others is what made her so beloved among her customers. In 1993, Beatrice and Jose sold the store and moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Beatrice lived in Port St. Lucie until 2018 when she moved to Brandon, Florida to be closer to her family.
Beatrice brought a bright light and joyful energy with her everywhere she went, and it lingered in the hearts and memories of everyone that met her. She was strength, compassion, wisdom, and laughter personified. Her gift to others was the ability to simultaneously wear the crowns of friend, comforter, confidante, and matriarch. Beatrice loved bingo games, Pokeno, and the lotto and would always remind others of how good she was at them. She also loved to cook and found joy in talking about her rice and beans and in feeding it to others. It is no secret that love was the special ingredient in her cooking. Beatrice never missed an opportunity to say, “Thank God!” and would find the bright side of everything.
Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband Jose Sr., her parents, Viviana Símon and Heraldo Johnson, and her siblings, Dora Johnson, Maria (Beba) Porrata, Alejandro Johnson, Ruben Johnson, Roberto Johnson, Jose Johnson, Mae Rose Johnson, and Miriam Johnson.
Beatrice leaves a loving family with cherished memories: her two most loved sons, David Mandry of Seffner, Florida and Jose Mandry Jr. of Winter Haven, Florida; two daughters-in-law, Kathy Mandry and Edna Pierre Louis; five loving grandchildren, Tina, Khalil Khalil and his wife Teresa, Kaysara, Alexis and her husband Jayson, and Kaylen; and 9 great grandchildren; one sister, Julia Johnson; and two brothers, Arturo Johnson and James Johnson; plus a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
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