Juana Nevarez Obituary
Juana P. Nevarez, 86, of Middletown, widow of Ramon Melendez Berrios, passed away peacefully at her home on January 31, 2025. Born on March 30, 1938 in Vega Alta, P.R., she was a daughter of the late Emilio and Margarita (Pabón) Nevarez. Our mother was a beautiful person inside and out. She liked to go by Jenny, and she was a strong woman who carried herself with dignity and empathy through her life every day. During which she witnessed many changes in the world around her. Especially when she relocated from Puerto Rico to the mainland, as they like to say in PR "the largest city in PR, New York, NY". Arriving at the age of sixteen with family in mind, to help with the care of her nieces and nephew, while her older brother Peyen had to work long hours to provide for the family. Family which has always been the most important thing to her. From conversations, as her children that we had with her growing up, she watched the changing times of the 60's and 70's having an impact on our mom and the world as a whole. Seeing the strides that women and minorities were making on a daily basis. Watching the news and learning of the changes happening all around us, cheering them all on silently. Yet pointing these things out to her children. Wanting a better life for us, her children and for all Americans. Having a sense of self, family and humanity. In the 70's we moved to Meriden, CT and I'd like to thank them for that. I like where we lived and the group of neighbors that became an extended family to me and my siblings. You know back then everyone knew everyone. That meant that if your parents weren't there they could count on the community, your neighbors to step in on their behalf. Good times. We didn't have much but we didn't need it or miss it because her unconditional love always made up for it. Unwavering and consistent with her radiant smile. Frank being the eldest had a special place in her heart. I remember the stories of going to grandma's in Danbury. She owned a theater and he would enjoy movies and candy that they gladly shared. I remember once going there and she opened up the theater and put Lady and the Tramp that had just been released by Disney. Just for us to be able to enjoy. She loved it the year Frank dressed up as the Easter Bunny for DC and Meg and the egg hunt began. She just laughed at the pink nose he had painted on his face. Helping the kids gather eggs. At the end what seemed to comfort her the most was Frank, her eldest son. Kimberly being the baby and only girl was a treasure to her. Sharing all things but her favorite was her granddaughters. Having the opportunity to watch them grow into intelligent strong women. But being there for their birthdays, first steps, and the tooth fairy was a joy that didn't compare. She's with them now and forever like always. In later years my sister and mom enjoyed the church and Christ's words which always comforted her up until her passing. Sundays were always the family day back then. So whether it was my father making his famous spaghetti meatballs and sausage or get out together and go to the park as a family. We'd go to Stanley Park just over the border in MA. What a beautiful park with flower gardens, coy ponds and beautiful sculptures. Our Mom and Dad went there as a couple for years then as the couple soon became a family we all enjoyed its wonderland feel about it. Growing up I was the momma's boy. At least that's what my circle of friends called me. Now being an adult and having a son, it wasn't a bad thing being a momma's boy. When Nathan was born and she held him, she said that's your son alright. I was like "what makes you say that"? She said I'm looking at you at the same age. Especially those feet and hands, lol. I always liked that. Mom also liked music. Turning me on to Elvis, the Beatles and buying me my first vinyl record. She loved music as much as I do. She taught me how to dance and how a woman should be treated. She would always wear my concert T's. Especially my Hendrix shirt, she liked his music. I remember going to buy Blizzard of Oz when it had just come out. I got home and put it on and she sat next to me and listened to the whole LP with me. Her favorite song was "Goodbye to Romance". As I got older and after all the torture I put her through having to listen to all that Metal. Years later I asked her, "what's your favorite song out of all the music I've played over the years"? She of course didn't know the song title. But one day with the radio playing it came on. That's when she said this is it, my favorite song. It's "Dream On" by Aerosmilth. I asked her "why" and she said the lyrics. They are truthful and sincere. So as I weep listening to this song, know that you are the heartbeat of this family and we will miss you nurturing love. You will be in our hearts and souls forever. She would want me to thank you all for your kindness and sharing this moment with our family. Until we meet again, blessings to you all and love each other each and every day. Juana is survived by two sons and a daughter Frank Nevarez of Meriden, CT and Raymond Berrios of New Britain, CT; a daughter Kimberley Doyle-Berrios of Terryville, CT; two sisters Regalada Nevarez and Chavez Nevarez; four grandchildren Megan Dunkin, Daquan Nevarez, Keelia Doyle, and Nathan Pomfret. She was predeceased by her seven sisters and six brothers. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 22, at 9:00am at DuPont Funeral Home, 25 Bellevue Ave., Bristol. Burial will follow in the Connecticut State Veteran's Cemetery in Middletown.
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Published by WFSB on Jul. 15, 2025.