The Queen of the New York Yankees has died.
On Thursday evening, Carmen Berra, the wife of Hall of Fame catcher and Yankees' icon Yogi Berra, died at the age of 85 due to complications from a stroke.
"On behalf of the entire New York Yankees organization, we offer our deepest condolences to the Berra family," Yankees co-owner Hal Steinbrenner announced on Friday. "Having known Yogi and Carmen for so long, it is almost impossible to imagine two people who complemented each other better than they did. We will always remember Carmen's smile and sense of humor, and her kindness and generosity will be dearly missed."
Carmen and Yogi. Now that would've been a good reality television show. The two experienced the true joy of life together. They were married for the last 65 years, celebrating their 65th anniversary a mere six weeks ago. It almost sounds like a fairy tale; two people destined for one another come together in the beginnings of life and stick together like glue for more than half a century.
The two were married in January 1949, raising three children together. One of their children, Dale Berra, followed in his father's footsteps by playing in 11 Major League seasons. Two of those seasons came with the New York Yankees (1985-1986).
“She died peacefully — she went the way she would have wanted to,” Larry Berra, the couples' oldest son told the Daily News on Friday. “We’re grateful that she and Dad were able to spend some good time together (Thursday). I’m not just saying this because she was my mom, but she was one of the great women of all time.”
There is a famous phrase known throughout the world; behind every great man is a greater woman. Yogi was a baseball legend, but Carmen was just as much of legend. She had a loving smile, quick wit and possessed a heart that most people only dream of. Any person who met Carmen would become a better person based on that experience. Just ask Brandon Steiner, head of the Steiner Sports memorabilia company.
“It's been said that behind every man is a great woman and that sentiment certainly holds true with the Berra family," Steiner said to NJ.com. "Of all the successful people in the world, Carmen was one of the most humble and thoughtful human beings I have ever met and one of the nicest people I've ever dealt with. Carmen was simply the best. I am going to miss her very much."
People across the country and at home in New Jersey are mourning the death of Carmen Berra, including David Kaplan, director of the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center.
"She was a remarkable woman and consummate companion of Yogi, and both fervently believed in the core values of the museum and learning center," Kaplan wrote in an email to Newsday. "We will miss her terribly."
In an era of American history where half of the marriages have ended in divorce. In an era where fighting and disputes between spouses have become common place, it's rejuvenates the heart to see two people so madly in love with each other. To all, Carmen was a kind, caring woman, who looked for the best in others. Our thoughts and prayers should go out to the entire Berra family.
Carmen will have a private funeral service on Tuesday at 10:a.m. in Montclair, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the Berra family asks that people make donations to the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center. Carmen played a major leadership role at the museum, often planning events and working closely with donors. May she rest in peace!
Do you have any memories of Carmen and Yogi Berra? Do you have anything to say about the two? Let us know in the comment section below!
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