KETY G. MACHADO

MAY 5, 1944 – DECEMBER 1, 2020

CELEBRATING HER COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION, COMPASSION AND FAMILY

She was born Enriqueta Concepcion Irene Ramona de Jesus Gonzalez del Valle Rio in Santa Clara, Cuba, on May 5, 1944. An appropriately larger-than-life name for a larger-than-life soul.

She was known as Ketty to family, she was the third of six children and earned the nickname of “Pascuita”, Spanish for little Easter/celebration, for the happiness that accompanied her personality.

That desire to shed light and spread smiles was a constant, even when times were less than kind in her world. To assist the family’s emigration to America in 1961, Ketty abandoned her personal aspirations to support the family both physically and financially. She spent years working in the scorching heat of a plastics and clothing factory to help the family gain solid ground in the States. Though the family budget allotted her a nickel every day to buy a soda for lunch, she saved it and used the twenty-five cents to buy children at a local church a two-liter of soda as a treat for Sunday school. A small sacrifice for such giant smiles.

Ketty, who legally changed her name to Kety Machado upon becoming an American citizen, earned a Bachelors from Ashland College and was just three credits shy of her Masters from Rutgers University. Her education was the foundation of a career as a Math teacher that in fact served as more than teaching the Pythagorean theorem, but to influence lives. While her tenure included several wonderful New Jersey districts such as Bridgewater and Elizabeth, two held a special place in her heart. Piscataway High School, the town where she raised her family, offered her many rewarding years that included teaching students who were friends of her own daughters. The district that was forever in her heart for the friendships made, adoration of students, and aligning with her advocacy for the underrepresented, was New Brunswick High School. From buying winter coats for students unable to afford them to hosting chips and soda Saturdays at her house to provide a safe sanctuary, her dedication to academia and kindness was paramount. Over the years, she received countless letters from former students determined to share her impact on their lives and how her influence greatly lead to their successful futures.

As a true Taurus, behind all that syrup was a hurricane of a human. Mowing lawns, fixing faucets, painting a two-story house, a take-no-prisoner advocate for her daughters: all alone. Imagine how that translated to chores. Just ask any of her daughters about the comb used to perfect the fringe on the living room carpet. The lesson was clear and powerful. Take pride in all one does. She absolutely did.

She was forever dedicated to her family. Her heart began with her parents, siblings and their spouses: Antolin, Queta, Antolin, Totoa, Conchita, Roger, Luis, Jeanne, Alicia, John, Carlos and Terry respectively. Through them came her adored nephews and nieces Antolin, Victor, Lisette, Roger, Romy, Roxy, Luis, Alexis, Elena, Michael, Kevin, Steven, their spouses and beautiful children.

Those who appreciated limbs knew to only show kindness to her daughters Elizabeth, Katherine and Margaret along with her son-in-law Steve. In the end, her oxygen was her grandchildren: Matthew, Steven, Sara, Liam and Sophie. She took spoiling to new levels as displayed through her famous daily “Abuela Happy Meals” which included a grilled cheese, Pringles, thermos of milk, and an MSRP $15 toy. That love was returned 100 times over in the end, as her grandchildren proved to be the medicine that helped defy all medical expectations.

For a little over nine years, Kety bravely battled Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare brain disorder that damages nerves along with the body’s ability to control muscle function. The disease left her cognitively aware though physically trapped. Still, she brought laughter and wonderful memories. Kety’s final years were spent with Katherine, Steve, Liam, and Sophie along with an amazing army of caregivers whose love and exceptional care gave Kety the dignity she deserved. The family is forever in debt for her amazing angels: Margarita, Carla, Blanca, Denise, Sara and Silvia. Kety’s last chapter wouldn’t have been as magical without you.

On December 1, Kety G. Machado died. To say her love, companionship and wisdom will be missed is an understatement. In light of COVID, a memorial will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.

Instead of flowers, we’d like to honor Kety’s passion for education and youth by creating a scholarship in her name. Those interested in donating can do so at the following GoFundMe page that’s been established in her name: .