Maria Urbina Bermudez

A life that was lived..

Her name was Maria Urbina Bermudez. She was barely 5 feet tall, decorated beautifully with caramel mocha skin tone.  She had  the gray hair and fine lines wrapped around her skin as proof of a life that was lived.

But she was more than that....

She was a builder, a planter, a giver.  She built a legacy of love, compassion, and fight that will outlive her 89 years, and last for generations to come. She loved to plant and had a garden in Puerto Rico that rivals the wonders of the world, but she also planted seeds of faith, and hope, and possibilities. She gave, and gave, and gave, even when she had nothing more to give she would find a way, she was the definition of; better to give than to receive. In the 1950's, she left the familiarity of her island, traveled with her children to join her husband for an unknown future in New Jersey; all to give her family the best possible life.

But she was more than that....

She was strong. Through hardships, and pain, and loss she held it together as strong as any, and stronger than most.  She survived the passing of the 3 youngest of her 6 children, 5 of her siblings, and her husband of over 60 years. Through it all she suffered, she hurt, yet remained strong.

And yet she was more than that...

She was a fighter. Boy was she a fighter. She fought for what she believed in no matter what. I remember hearing stories of her traveling to the town in Puerto Rico to argue and fight with the mayors office for simple resources that we take for granted, like paved roads, electricity lines, and phone lines.  And she didn't stop until it got done.
She was funny, and talented, and not traditionally educated, but more intelligent than most. She could freestyle and make anything rhyme. The minute anyone showed up in her home she would prepare a feast worthy of a Thursday gathering in November. She could spend hours sitting at a table with her beloved husband and grandchildren playing Brisca.  At bigger family gatherings she would be the first one to whip out the Loteria set. A full house surrounded by loved ones provided her biggest smiles.  She was full of fire. And at 89 was she quick. Any member of my family at the receiving end of one of her  jabs can attest that at 89 she still stung like a bee. Most importantly she loved the Lord and any chance she had, she would take one of her grandchildren to church and teach them about Jesus, salvation, and faith.

It is with a heart that is truly broken and eyes drowning in tears that her family announces her passing onto eternity on Wednesday, November 18th. She is irreplaceable and she will be loved for all of our days. Our comfort is in knowing the truth;  that she is resting in the arms of Her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She has fought the good fight, She has finished the race, She kept the faith.

She is survived by her eldest son, Raul Robles, her 2 oldest daughters; Isabel Rodriguez, and Maria Ramos; 12 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren, and 4 Great Great Grandchildren.

Visitation is Tuesday, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services are Wednesday, 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Bayview Cemetery, Jersey City.