obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

Betsaida "Betsy" 
Nieves

Betsy Nieves was a strong, principled woman, private but not afraid to speak her mind. She was the rock of the Nieves home, the glue that kept the family together throughout all of life’s trials. She was devoted to her family, and through her example, taught her kids the right way to live. Betsy’s greatest pride in her life was her men – her husband and her sons – and her legacy will live on through their actions.

Betsaida was born on July 23, 1960, to proud parents Francisco and Luz Haydee (Torres) Trujillo. Betsy, as she soon came to be called, was the baby of the family, with four older siblings: Bobby, Jenny, Sonia, and Gladys. The Trujillo family lived in the Brewers Hill area of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Betsy had lots of fun hanging out with her siblings and friends.

One of her neighborhood friends was a young man named Roberto Nieves, who later ended up with the nickname “Blackie.” Although Betsy didn’t know it at the time, she caught Blackie’s attention early on – he remembers telling one of his friends that Betsy would be his wife one day. Their friendship officially started when they were freshman, and Blackie got Betsy’s attention by jokingly pushing her into a locker at school. Betsy turned and told Blackie that she was going to get him – this challenge sparked their romance.

After graduating from Lincoln High School on Milwaukee’s east side, Betsy continued to date Blackie. The young couple could often be found at the ball park, where Blackie and his friends liked to gather for baseball and softball games, barbeques, and picnics. Starting in 1978, Betsy and Blackie were blessed with three sons, whom they named Roberto Jr., Robertino, and Tomas. In January of 1988, Betsy and Blackie traveled to Las Vegas, where they celebrated their commitment to one another by getting married.

Betsy’s four boys – Blackie, Roberto Jr., Robertino, and Tomas – were everything to her. Her life was all about her men, and she supported them in all their endeavors. When the kids had games, Betsy was their number one fan. She was “the best mom,” not only to her own children, but to anyone who entered her home. A wonderful cook, Betsy’s party rice was in constant demand, and nobody ever went away from the Nieves home hungry.

In 1997, Betsy started working outside the home at the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. She had a strong work ethic, and never missed a day of work if she could help it. Betsy passed this attitude on to her sons, teaching them that if you have a job to do, you get up and go to work.

Sadly, in March of this year Betsy began to suffer from some health issues. Although she fought courageously, her condition gradually worsened, and she entered St. Luke’s Medical Center on October 17, 2012.

Hard-working, strong, and loyal, Betsy was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a true friend. She will be deeply missed by her many friends and family members.

Betsaida “Betsy” Nieves died on October 21, 2012, surrounded by her family and friends, at the age of 52. Betsy’s family includes her husband, Roberto “Blackie” Nieves; her children, Roberto Jr., Robertino, and Tomas R. Nieves; her grandchildren, Devin, Marissa Rose, Penelope, and Isabella; her parents, Luz and the late Francisco Trujillo; her siblings, Bobby Trujillo, Jenny (Edwin Caraballo) Trujillo, Sonia (Steve) Sandrin and Gladys (Tito) Ayala; her father-in-law, Tomas Nieves; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, at the Suminski LifeStory Funeral Home, 1901 N. Farwell Ave, 414-276-5122. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 26, at St. Francis Church (4th and Brown St.). Meet at the church. Entombment will be at Wisconsin Memorial Park. Please visit Betsy’s personal memory page at www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.

Past Comments

Colleen Hilbert

I worked with Betsy at NMl for 20+ years and will miss her. Betsy was always willing to help, or listen and was always smiling. I am such a better person for having known her. I am deeply sorry for you loss

Sheila Martinez Razo

I remember when I was just a kid sitting many cold days on the bleachers watching my Dad(Big John) and Blackie play baseball. She was always right there being Blackies cheerleader. Betsy will truely be missed.

Anissa Caraballo

My titi and I shared so many great memories. I’m truly going to miss her with all of my heart. I can just remember the way that she laughed whenever I would say something silly. I can still hear her laugh in my head till this day. I will never forget you titi and I hope that you know that from the bottom of my heart. LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER

Ruru Nieves

My grandma was a lovely, & caring person, she helped everyone out even if they werent family. She was a big part of my life and I will never ever forget her! She loved her family soo much I cant even explain it! I’ve had so MANY memories with her that I will never forget. My grandma will always be in my heart, she meant everything to me!!! At least now heaven will be A LOT prettier up there!(: I will never forget the great memories that I had with my grandma. She is a really good person to talk to about family issues or problems that I have had. I knew her through my whole life throught my past & now. I loved her so much she was the coolest grandma I ever had! R.I.P grandma betsy

Cristella Nieves

i remember wen my titi first took us to wisconsin dells…her n tio would always take me, my sister, and tomas. we had the greatest time. ill never forgot those memories. she was an amazing woman n i miss her dearly. i love u titi

Corrina Nieves

i cant even specify one memory of my titi. i remember tio & titi would pick my sister and i up about 3 times a week to play with tomas and every weeked they never failed to pick us up and take us to eat and to just enjoy the day and time with them. anytime we were with them i loved, simply because my sis, me, & tomas would make her laugh soooo much! that was ONE of my favorite things about her, her joyous sweet laugh. i hear it everyday in my mind. and i always cant help but smile whn i picture her beautiful smiling face, even if i was crying i can smile jus picturing her smile back! may your beautiful soul rest in peace titi. keep watch over the entire family guide us through the things we do not understand. you’re forever in my heart, mind, memories, and thoughts. xoxo

Carmen Aro

Don’t think of her as gone away

Her journey’s just begun

Life holds so many facets

this Earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting

from the sorrows and the tears

in a place of warmpth and comfort

where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our saddness

can really pass away.

And think of her as living

in the hearts of those she touched

for nothing loved is ever lost

and she was loved so much.

Rest in peace my sister.

Love you always

–Carmen

Ruru Nieves

Love you grandma so much

Ruru Nieves

Grandma, just know that I love you and miss you dearly!

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