Maria del Rosario Nevarez

Maria del Rosario Betancourt Nevarez, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dedicated nurse, peacefully passed away on December 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. Born on October 17, 1937, in Havana, Cuba, Maria was the cherished daughter of Proscopio Ignacio Betancourt and Emerita Gonzalez Betancourt, both of whom predeceased her.

Maria's life was a testament to resilience and dedication. After her mother passed at a young age, Maria was raised in a Catholic convent in Havana, Cuba that was run by the Order of the Dominican Sisters. It is here she began her daily devotion of prayer that lasted her entire life. She attended Colegio de Monjas de las Dominicas Francesas in Havana, where she trained as a nurse, specializing in burn care. In 1966, in the aftermath of the Cuban revolution, Maria courageously relocated to the United States, where she embraced her new life with vigor. She became a U.S. citizen on July 4, 1976, a date she fondly referred to as her second birthday, reflecting her deep pride in her American identity.

For 38 years, Maria served as a psychiatric nurse at Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, where her compassion and nurturing spirit earned her numerous accolades. Her dedication to her patients was matched only by her devotion to her family and her Catholic faith.

Maria is survived by her loving husband, Antonio Nevarez; her daughters, Gina Eva O'Reilly Flanagan of West Suffield, CT, and Elizabeth Martin of South Florida; her stepdaughter, Arlin Nevarez of Carrollton, Georgia and stepson Antonio Nevarez of West Palm Beach, Florida; her daughter in law, Ivette Gonzalez (Burbank, CA): her sister, Eva Deviva of Pennsylvania ; her brother Evaldo Betancourt of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and her six cherished grandchildren, Caitlin O'Reilly, Meagan O'Reilly, Brisa Suarez, Andre Suarez, Liam Bauer, and Marly Bauer. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Manuel Lazaro Suarez.

Maria's vibrant personality, infectious laughter, strong work ethic and impeccable style left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She found joy in playing dominoes, dancing to Cuban music, cooking and taking care of her animals.

Maria will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.