Berta Ramona Garcia b. August 31, 1929 d. April 14, 2021
Berta was born in Havana, Cuba in 1929. After the revolution broke out in 1959, Berta made arrangements for her family to leave the country. When it became clear the family would not be able to leave together, she sent her eldest daughter, Moraima, to the United States alone. This airlift of children separated from their families became known as Operation Pedro Pan. Berta was later able to join her daughter in St. Louis, MO along with her son, Panchito a year later. Berta's husband, Francisco, was finally able to join the rest of the family four agonizing years later and Barbara was born shortly after -- a second honeymoon baby!
Berta is survived by her devoted daughters Moraima (George) Schupp and Barbara (Keith) Schubert and faithful son Francisco (Donna) Garcia, her loving grandchildren Eric (Meredith) Schupp, Julie (Rebecca) Jungel, Nicole and Havana Schubert as well as great-grandchildre Samantha and Cooper Schupp. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Francisco and her countless family members she left behind in Cuba to give her children a better life free from Communism.
Berta was a very active Jehovah's Witness throughout her long life and committed to her service as a Witness. She will be remembered by the congregation for her steadfast faith. All who knew her loved her and called her "Abuela".
She passed very peacefully surrounded by those who loved her.