Berta Lauderman

In Loving Memory of Berta Rita Feliciana Lauderman Vazquez Pausa

Berta Rita Feliciana Lauderman Vazquez Pausa—known lovingly by her grandchildren as Abia—passed away peacefully on May 11,

2025. It is fitting that she departed this world on Mother's Day, as she had been the devoted matriarch of our family for 90 years.

Berta was Born September 21, 1934 in Havana, Cuba. She  was an indomitable woman. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy

degree from the University of Havana at a time when few

women pursued higher education, especially amid political unrest. Just one year after she graduated, the university was forced to close

due to turmoil in the country. During these challenging times, she also married the love of her life, Alberto Lauderman Roces, and

became a mother to two daughters: Dr. Berta Fernandez (née Lauderman Vazquez Pausa) and Mrs. Sylvia Quinoy (née Lauderman

Vazquez Pausa). While raising her young family, she worked as a pharmacist alongside her parents and siblings at the family's

pharmaceutical and chemical company, Laboratorio DREAN, located at Avenida Independencia 63 in Havana, Cuba.

On July 31, 1961, at the age of 27, Berta fled communist Cuba with her husband and daughters, leaving behind the only home she had

ever known. She was unknowingly saying goodbye to her mother for the last time. In Miami, Berta helped build a new life alongside her

beloved husband – whom their grandchildren lovingly called Abo - welcoming a third daughter, Dr. Elda Regalado (née Lauderman

Vazquez Pausa) and managing his architecture firm, Lauderman Enterprises, Inc.

In 1989, Berta became a widow at the age of 55 after losing Alberto, her partner of 44 years (they first met when she was just 11), to

cancer. Yet through every hardship, Berta lived with grace, resilience, and an unmatched elegance. Her hair and nails were always

done, and her spirit never wavered. She taught us that even in the darkest of times, one must seek joy, celebrate beauty, and carry on

with strength.

Abia was a source of comfort, warmth, and unconditional love to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never judged, always

listened, and offered her home and heart freely. Her unwavering Catholic faith shaped the way she loved, lived, and served. While we

mourn her physical absence, we rejoice in her reunion with all those she held dear—especially our beloved Abo and her cherished

mother. She is home at last. Te queremos mucho, Abia.

Berta is preceded in death by her husband, parents, siblings, and nephew. She is survived by her three daughters, seven

grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Donate here:

https://tinyurl.com/2wvesnar