Claudina Sousa Brew

Claudina Sousa Brew (“Claudia”), 40, left this Earth on Saturday, April 23, 2022.  Our dear, sweet and beautiful Claudia was born on November 29, 1981 in hometown São Viscente, Minas Gerais, Brazil to father Jair Teodoro de Souza and mother Valmira de Souza (née Vasconcelos).  Her beloved siblings were Maildes, Domingos (deceased), Izaltino, Elvira, Marcio, Sidnei, and baby brother/sister, Antero and Isabel.  She went to school at Escola Benedito Quintino do Santos from childhood until she was 17-years old.  While our lovely Claudia was a little shy, she was so incredibly smart and excelled through her years in school. 

Claudia arrived in the United States in February 2005.  While she loved her home in Brazil, she was the poster child of the immigrant story.  When only 25-years-old, she immediately purchased a cleaning business.  Though she did not get the value she thought she had, unhindered, she turned it into the business she wanted.  She had a low tolerance for those who did not share in her work ethic but treated those who did fairly and generously.  Her clients loved her for her discipline, devotion and trustworthiness.  She often commented that she absolutely and extensively loved her work which her often 7-day work schedule reflected.  One customer understood that Claudia was a very smart cookie and asked her what she would have done if she went to college.  Claudia did not miss a beat and said, “I would have been an engineer, but it is okay, I love my work and I love the US.  I am very fortunate.”

In December 2020, Claudia married Raymond Brew who is a long time New Jersey resident. Claudia met Ray through Ray’s mother.  Very early in their relationship Claudia lived with a dear friend.  Her friend and friend’s daughter were present on one of their first dates.  While it first seemed a bit awkward, the mother/daughter pair was struck with the ongoing laughter that emanated from Claudia in her little first floor apartment.  Ray made Claudia laugh until she almost cried.  Claudia and Ray married about three years after they met.  Claudia so often told her friends that she was so fortunate that she met Ray.  She felt that Ray was always there for her.

Claudia was most often seen ready-to-go in her spandex and tee-shirt with one or two co-workers (who she considered friends).  She was not willing to leave her job early on any days including holidays because, “It’s not done; I can’t leave it like this” even though it was 97% done and it was time for her to enjoy what was left of the day.  Her work ethic was impeccable.  Claudia was incredible.

Claudia is survived by her husband, her parents, siblings, their spouses, and her dearly loved nieces and nephews Fabio, Lorena, Stefhanie, Paola, Miguel, Cibely, Otávio, Enzo, Marcus, Fabio Jr, and João.  She was so proud of her sobrinhas e sobrinhos who she mentioned with love and always a big smile.  Claudia’s love for her family was evident and deep to all who knew her.

A celebration in Claudia’s memory will be held from 6-8 pm on Monday, May 2, 2022 at the Damiano Funeral Home, 191 Franklin Avenue, Long Branch. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence by selecting the Tribute/Guestbook link above.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Claudina Sousa Brew, please visit our floral store.