Obituary of Maria Clementina Perdomo

Ms. Maria Clementina Perdomo, “Abuela”, daughter of the late Vincente Perdomo and Florentina Fierro was born on September 6, 1932 in Huila, Colombia. Abuela was one of nine children (5 boys, 3 girls in order of birth): Mercedes Figueredo, Maria A. Diaz, the late Marco Perdomo, the late Ofelia Perdomo, Ernesto Perdomo, the late Abel Perdomo, Omar Perdomo, and the late Hernan Perdomo. Abuela preceded Ernesto as the youngest lady of the family; the sisters are affectionately known as the “Three Musketeers”. 

After completing third grade, Abuela stopped attending school and began to work. First running errands on a coffee bean farm, then working as a seamstress for thirty-three years with Britilana Textile Company. 

Abuela gave birth to her daughter, the light of her life - Martha Elsy Valencia (now Melendez) - a month before her 40th birthday. From the second she saw Martha, Abuela knew they would be inseparable; they were. The pair emigrated from Colombia to the United States in 1985 and Abuela went on to become a US citizen in 2008. Earning her citizenship was one of the happiest days of Abuela’s life. She was most excited to exercise her right to vote and to possess a blue, United States passport. The duo lived in Mt. Holly, NJ and Abuela began to work with the company Walpole where she continued her work as a seamstress. Seagull Lighting was her next place of employment where she worked on the factory line in Riverside, NJ. She retired from Seagull Lighting and received her first gold watch as a parting gift; an honor usually bestowed upon employees with a longer tenure. 

Abuela was a hardworking, independent, and passionate woman. She enjoyed talking on the phone and hanging out with her many friends, getting dressed up, and hitting the dance floor! Foremost, Abuela was dedicated to her family. In 1994, Martha gave birth to her daughter, Alexandra “Alex.”. Abuela fell in love with their beautiful bundle of joy and became Alex’s full-time caretaker while Martha continued her education and worked. In 1998, Abuela and her two girls relocated to Florida where Martha wed Mario. Abuela lived out the rest of her days in the sunshine state as an active part of Martha’s growing family including two grandsons (Julian and Nicholas Melendez) and two great grandchildren (Jonathan and Luciana Manera) born to Alex and Brunno; she was a firm foundation for over 20 years. During meals and holidays, the family shared Abuela’s favorite snacks and treats made up of McDonald’s fried apple pie, white chocolate Kit Kats, and hot tea con leche. She knew how to live life! 

Abuela was a devout Catholic. She was, and remains, loved by many. In addition to family in both the US and Colombia, many extended family members and friends affectionately consider her a grandmother figure. Abuela enjoyed shopping and chose to walk and/or take public transportation to stay in shape and connect with people in the community. Many times, she and her sister - Mercedes - would hop on a bus and head to the beach just for a slice of pizza. She was fearless and had a big heart for people. Regardless of your Spanish proficiency, it was widely felt that Abuela was praying for and blessing those around her. Friends remain grateful to Martha for sharing her beloved mom so freely. Her love was palpable. 

Abuela passed away peacefully in the presence of Martha and Mario the morning of Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Though her sun has set in this life, a star in Heaven is now brighter. Abuela leaves behind, in addition to the aforementioned, a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends (whom she considered family).

Family and friends will celebrate Abuela on Monday, November 2, 2020 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church: 1710 Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL, 32901. The viewing will begin at 11AM followed by a 12PM mass. The burial will take place at 1:15PM at Fountainhead Memorial Park: 7303 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909.

Should you desire to send flowers, please use the Church’s address above. Flowers should be received by 10AM on Monday. 

Martha, Mario and their family thank you for your love, support and prayers.