Severo Cardoso was just another immigrant trying to make it in a new country, just like the millions before him. Instead of being from across the Atlantic he and his wife Lara traveled the thousands of miles from Teuixingo, Mexico a small village in the Provence of Puebla. Others from Peubla had made the same journey before him and word spread, as it does with immigrants that are seeking a new life. Even in this tough town 60 miles north of New York City, where the per capita murder rate is the highest in the state, it was better than home. There were jobs here and in fact Cardoso worked at two. At dawn in a laundromat on a gritty inner city street of Newburgh, Severo Cardoso was hard at work. Washing a work uniform from one job and getting ready to go to his second job. Out in the streets a man in his early 20’s was busy catching a buzz. Pot, coke, and angel dust was his mix tonight. He got behind the wheel of his car, lost control and plowed though the wall and window of the laundromat where Cardoso was folding his laundry. The force was so great it buried Cardoso in bricks and glass, killing him almost immediately. The long journey home then began. Wanting to be buried in Teuixingo money was raised to send Severo Cardoso the nearly 2,600 miles. His wife and young daughter were also helped in getting home. The family graciously accepted my presence along with reporter Andres Cala. What follows is that story.
Laura de Dios is pictured in a family portrait with her husband Severo Cardosa and their daughter Diana Cardosa that was on display at Cardosa’ wake in Newburgh.
Laura de Dios holds her daughter Diana Cardosa, 5, during her father’s wake.
Laura de Dios is welcomed in Mexico City by her family in advance of her husband’s funeral.
Stopping in Mexico City for lunch at a friends house before heading to the village in the provence of Puebla, the family bows their heads in prayer before the meal.
Passing the time before the funeral services of Severo Cardosa family and friends talk about Cardosa’ time spent as a youth in the village.
Early morning hours in Teuixingo, Mexico as shop keepers preparer the the day ahead.
An unlcle recalls Severo Cardoso’s childhood.
A small community of Seven Day Adventists are an island in a Roman Catholic country.
Laura de Dios looks over love notes to her and mementoes of her late husband.
Laura de Dios looks over love notes to her and mementoes of her late husband.
Looking out from her childhood home Lara remembers happier times.
Laura de Dios salvages a family picture from the home she once lived.
A cousin talks about Severo.
The village of Teuixingo.
An item is searched for from Severo Cardosa past that was still in the cupboard.
Stories are told with an eager audience of an uncle who went to America but is returning home to be buried.
Holding a small simple ceremony that is custom for Seventh Day Adventists Severo Cardosa lies at rest in the coffin.
Holding a small simple ceremony that is custom for Seventh Day Adventists Severo Cardosa lies at rest in the coffin as Laura de Dios says a final good by.
Holding a small simple ceremony that is custom for Seventh Day Adventists Laura de Dios is comforted by women from the church.
Against some family wishes the coffin is taken to the center of town so that a wake can begin.
Severo Cardosa is waked.
The matriarch of the family cooks up fresh tortillas over an open fire for breakfast.
Laura de Dios is comforted by women from the church at the beginning of a procession through the village to the cemetery.
Cardoso is processed to the family plot.
Against Seventh Day Adventist’ ways the coffin is paraded through the village.
Against Seventh Day Adventist’ ways the coffin is paraded through the village. Bells are tolled by someone paid to do so as the coffin passes.
Daughter, Diana Cardoso is comforted by an uncle who tries to explain why her dad is not there.
As the cement top of the final resting pace starts to cure Lara de Dios says one final good bye.
At the end of a very long day for the family a rainbow shows itself over the village.