Bernadina Tito

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Here are a few words and pictures about Bernadina Tito, who was a member of Los Martincitos. She recently died at the age of 90.

Bernadina's trademark look was her native clothing complimented with long Andean braids. She was very much a part of the “Los Martincitos family”; to everyone's memory, she never missed a day of Los Martincitos activities. Unfortunately, getting to Los Martincitos was quite an effort for her because she had severe scoliosis and osteoporosis. The picture to the right was taken in March of 2000, when she was still able to walk to the program. By 2001, she was no longer able to walk; at that point, her husband, Calixto, began pushing her wheelchair along the main avenues in Villa el Salvador so they could continue visiting Los Martincitos.

Bernadina's wheelchair was one of the things your donations to Adopt a Grandparent made possible.

Bernadina had a very sweet disposition, and she was deeply loved by Calixto, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many of her fellow members of Los Martincitos. More than 30 members and staff at Los Martincitos participated in Bernadina's wake and provided support for Calixto and his family.

In the photo to the left, Bernadina is playing with her grandson (or perhaps her great-grandson). There was obvious mutual affection on display. While the two enjoyed each other's company, Calixto sat on the other side of the room and serenaded the group with his mandolin.

Bernadina had a long and often difficult life. Because of Los Martincitos, however, she had a better quality of life in her last years than she would otherwise have had.