Rafaela R. Brito

Born on September 4, 1938 in Cuba she married Orestes at the age of 18 and had 4 sons, Orestes Jr., Oswaldo, Orlando and Osmani. She emigrated to the United States in 1967 at the age 28 where two additional children were born, daughters - Sara and Susan and that completed her family. After travelling coast to coast from New Jersey to California, she settled in Chicago where her children were raised. In 1994 she moved to Tampa, Florida to enjoy her retirement but spent much of her time on the road between Tampa and Chicago visiting her daughters and grandchildren that still lived in Chicago. One of her favorite stopping points was always Chattanooga, Tennessee where she enjoyed the views of the Smoky Mountains.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother and a loyal friend to many. Her passions included taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, being surrounded by her family, on occasion going to the Casino and she loved her scratch-off lottery tickets. She always put her family first above all else. The legacy she leaves behind will serve as a fervent reminder to always put family first as was evident in the sacrifices she made to raise her children in a foreign country to give them a chance at a better life. Though her absence has a left a great void in our hearts, her memories will serve as a constant reminder of the wonderful mother and grandmother she was.

She is survived by her loving children, Orestes Jr, Oswaldo (Michelle), Orlando, Osmani (Yakyra) Sara (Pablo), Susan (Armand), 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren and countless friends.

A celebration of life for Rafaela will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 4 - 7pm at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel, 12690 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rafaela's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate.

*Our mother's favorite color was purple, please feel free to honor her by wearing something purple to her memorial*