Adelaida Xiomara Anderson

Adelaida Xiomara Cooper Scott Anderson was born in Guaro-Oriente, Cuba. The daughter of Emma Cooper – Scott and Father Rene’ Niles. She later moved with her family to Guantanamo, Cuba at the age of 16. She then met Joaquin Leyva Rodriquez, and had a baby girl, Xiomara.

She came to America in 1966, she met and married Robert Anderson in September 28, 1968, from that marriage, two daughters were born, Yolanda and Zelda. On January 15, 1975, Adelaida and Xiomara became Naturalized Citizens.

While we will not see her physically, here are highlights of her decade.

Adelaida worked for Mount Sanai Hospital as a clerk for many years.

Adelaida moved to the Bronx with her family on Wheeler Avenue, with her in laws, Aunt Gloria and Uncle Son. She attended Trinity Episcopal Church in the Bronx where she enjoyed the church services, she was in many Fashion shows and enjoyed the church’s Anniversary dinner dances.

My mother enjoyed dancing to Cuban music, with her dance partner, Uncle Carlos and Uncle Louis. She also enjoyed hosting parties, such as Mothers ‘day, New Years Day celebration and birthday parties for her family.

She then relocated to Queens, NY with her family in her first home. She then met neighbors who spoke Spanish, Mrs. Miller, her good friend. At her home, she continued to host celebrations which she invited those close neighbors to enjoy her cooking and festivities.

After a few years, after her mother Emma passed away, Adelaida moved to the Bronx, to continue the Legacy of Emma’s Place, which was a successful restaurant and social club for the community. Adelaida also ran a successful laundry mat in the Bronx. While in the Bronx, she also attended Mercy College at night to receive an associate degree. She laughed at how she would fail Spanish but pass English. While at home she also ran a successful day care for parents who worked during the day.

At this time, Jalen, Vignike, Jamal, Xavier, Xiana, Bryce and Daniel were born from her daughters.

She then reunited with her husband in Queens to continue in the community by joining a Soup Kitchen in Hollis, Queens, NY. She cooked and delivered delicious food to patrons of many ethnicities. Adelaida didn’t stop there, she continued to cook for the neighborhood.

As her grandchildren, matured, they felt comfortable to bring their friends to the house to enjoy their grandmothers cooking of Cuban, Jamaican and American dishes along with music on the weekends.

My mom also developed a sense of home health assistance to people who were not able to care for themselves. She cooked for them, house cleaned and attended to their needs. She also had her grandchildren join her in helping to relocate a few people to their new neighborhood.

After a few years, her husband relocated to Miami, Adelaida joined him to take care of him during his ailment. She continued to cook and read her Psalms 23, as her belief in God flourished more in her life. Adelaida loved her Sunday morning sermons on television.

Adelaida is survived by her husband, Robert. Her daughters, Xiomara, Yolanda, Zelda. Her grandchildren, Jalen, Vignike, Jamal, Xavier, Xiana, Bryce and Daniel. Her great grandchildren, Jade, Ethan, Peyton, Prince, Messiah and McKenzie.

Adelaida will always be remembered and cherished by us all.

We will always LOVE YOU MAMI.