Bernardina (Ferrel) Echeverry

Bernardina Ferrel Echeverry, age 69, of Rye Brook, NY passed away on Tuesday August 18, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. She died peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. 

Bernardina was born in 1951 in Peru, to Martin and Maria Ferrel and had four siblings; Rosa, Ofilio, Juana,and Justino. She came to the United State at the age of 15 and, upon her arrival, fell ill to Tuberculosis but beat the illness and made a full recovery. Living with her sister, she worked tirelessly to help support her family back in Peru. 

Bernardina married Jorge Echeverry in 1975. Bernardina worked hard to build a stable home for their children, Sandra and Brian, who were the lights of her life. The Echeverry family lived out the American dream, becoming homeowners, US citizens, and watching their children grow and thrive. Bernardina’s biggest dream was to provide an education for her children, an opportunity she was never afforded. Her dreams were realized through both her children, who, after college, became successful adults in finance and public service. 

Bernardina was a deeply spiritual woman, always grateful to God for the opportunities given to her. She paid it forward by helping families who came to the US to start a better life. She donated her time, resources, and even her own home, to help families get on their feet when they first moved to the US. Bernardina loved helping others. An extension of her nurturing and loving spirit was her time spent at the Cowan Center at Greenwich Academy. Bernardina was a teacher’s aide for 20 years at G.A. She loved her colleagues and relished the time she spent with the children. The years at G.A. brought her much joy, for which she had so much gratitude.

Faith always played a major role in her life; she was a devout Catholic and attended mass every Sunday. She volunteered for church events and charities, always putting God and others before herself. 

Later in life, she was thrilled to become a grandmother to Jackson and Mason. Bernardina was an energetic and joyful grandma who cherished every moment she spent with her grandsons and all her family. Bernardina was a kind and humble woman, selfless and loving. Her giant smile and warm hug made you feel right at home. Bernardina always had an encouraging word to lift the spirit of those around her and she brought light to everyone she met. It is with great sadness we say goodbye to this remarkable woman,she will be greatly missed. 

Bernardina volunteered many hours helping the poor and those in need at the St. John Bosco Food Pantry in Port Chester, NY.  To donate in her memory, please click on the link below.

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Food Pantry Donation in Memory of Bernardina Echeverry 

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