Nevia Yvette Bravo, known to most simply as Yvette, was born on March 11, 1947, at Ramey Air Force Base in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. On July 5, 2025, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and dedication to her family, friends, and community.

Throughout her life, Yvette was also known by the names Yvette Russo, Yvette Villegas—mother to her beloved children Alyssa and David—and Yvette Rivera. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rafaela Bravo Colón and Miguel Ángel Bravo, first cousin Daniel Nevies, Junior Cordova, Doris & Nelly Bravo as well as her former husbands, Alexander Villegas and Carmelo Rivera.

Yvette was an extraordinary mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to all who knew her. She is survived by her loving life partner of many years, Richard Vanderburg, her children Alyssa and David, and her cherished grandchildren, Alexander Scarry and Cameron and Jordan Villegas. She also leaves behind her devoted sister, Yvonne Wathen, her brother-in-law Mike Wathen, her niece Stacy Fossitt, great-niece Jaclyn Fossitt, great-nephew Zachary Fossitt, first cousins Lucy Gorsky and Rufino (Junior) Bravo, Florence Nieves, and, Lorraine Santiago, Alma Cordova, and lifelong friends Berle Driscoll, Gemma Garcia, Connie Attanasio, Frank Russo, and Joe Verga.

Raised in Brooklyn, New York, from the age of six, Yvette attended Catholic schools through Bishop McDonald High School before pursuing her studies at Queens College. She went on to earn her Master’s degree from Fordham University and the Bank Street College of Education.

Her career was defined by an unwavering commitment to education and advocacy for underserved communities. She developed bilingual programs in Manhattan public schools, served as principal of an alternative dropout-prevention vocational high school for the Nassau County BOCES. Yvette volunteered with LEAP, the first educational program for incarcerated women in the Miami-Dade prison system, and those transitioning from a program recognized by the State of Florida in 2015. She served as the LEAP President and a member of the Board of Directors for several years. In 2024, she was honored with the LEAP Founders Award.

Outside of her professional life, Yvette found joy in travel, visiting Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, many of the Caribbean islands, Argentina, Brazil, and New Zealand. She was also a devoted member of her book club for over 40 years, faithfully participating even when she lived far from NYC. She was very active in the Coconut Women’s Club. They were both members of the Kendall United Methodist Church in Miami.

And let’s never forget the eternal salsa dancer that she was - if the music played, she danced. She was the drive for Richard’s many trumpet-playing gigs, both in Miami and Fort Myers.

Over the years, Yvette lived in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Merrick, South Hempstead, Marietta (Georgia), Dayton (Ohio), Miami, Ft Meyers FL and Granbury (Texas). Wherever she went, she built connections, touched lives, and left a lasting impression of kindness and resilience. It was in Granbury that they purchased their “casita”, and where she found her happy place. Richard’s family, especially his sister Vicky, and Daughter Anna, and his Granddaughter Autumn, surrounded her with love during her final days.

Yvette will be remembered for her strength, her generosity, and her ability to meet life’s challenges with grace. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

There will be a Memorial Celebration of her incredible Life

November 8, 2025, at 11am

Kendall United Methodist Church

7600 SW 104th St,

Miami FL

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