Camarillo woman to celebrate 102nd birthday
By Andrea L. Minium Special to the Acorn

Catherine Brema

The year was 1914 and Catherine Brema, just 8yearsold at the time, was traveling along to America from Avigliana di Susa, Italy, to reunite with her parents.

With tears in her eyes, Brema recalls the last time she saw her grandmother in Italy- moments before she stepped aboard the boat headed for America.

"I knew I would not see her again, and that night I stayed awake crying for her." Said Brema, who will celebrate her 102nd birthday on March 24.

On the boat for 15 days, Brema finally landed in Brooklyn.

"My first look at America was at the statue of Liberty." Said Brema "I will never forget that."

Growing up in New York City with her parents, Brema's younger brother and sister came from Italy at the end of World War I.

At age 21, while living in New Jersey with her family, Brema met and married her husband John Joseph Brema New Year's Day in 1928.

Her wedding, Brema said, was the most memorable day of her long life.

Brema refers to her husband as "my Joseph," who, in 1991, lost his battle to Alzheimer's at the age of 88.

The Bremas have one son, Arnold, who is now 79.

Brema worked as a dressmaker and dreamt of becoming a designer.

Her husband encouraged her dream and sent her to design school. She would go on to work as a dressmaker for Miss America contestants during the 1940s.

A Camarillo resident since 1968, Brema's husband was recognized in the community as a crossing guard for St. Mary Magdalen School in Old Town Camarillo.

With five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Brema said her birthday celebrations are filled with love and family.

When asked what she is doing for her 102nd birthday, Brema will keep it simple compared to the large celebration she had for her 100th birthday.

"I am spending it with family," Brema said.