In Memory of Margarita Melendez
February 2, 1927--May 12, 2011
Mami came to New York City from Jayuya, Puerto Rico in 1952. She said she had never seen so much concrete in her life. She, along with her sister Iris, daughter Myrta, and her two infant sons and my father, Rafael Rodriguez, shared one room together in the new city. While there they lived the life that was common for so many Puerto Ricans.
In 1962 her brother Arcadio remained in the City, and she moved to Boston to join her mother Virginia Andujar, and sisters Flordaliza, Ada, Sonia, Madeline and Angie. She remained in Boston for the rest of her life. In the South End she established herself with the Catholic community of Puerto Ricans at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. She accomplished many of her goals in life, and knew and loved many people.
Mami was the best cook in the family. Her rice was so good that you knew that the ‘olla’ would be scraped clean of all the ‘pegao’. More than anything she loved having her family around the kitchen stove, especially around the holidays. She loved us fiercely and unconditionally.
Querida Madre de Nector Rafael Rodriguez Jr., Armando Rodriguez, Ruby Maria Rodriguez-Dellamano, grandmother to Little Ruby, Rafito, Carmen, Jessica, and Gabi; Taisha, Nina, Dani, Desi, and Armandito; Maggie, Michael, Monica, and Pauli; great-grandmother to Alyssa; Antonio, Julian and Amirah; Richie and Elyse; Che and Miles; Alahna and Makai; and Gracie who my mother loved dearly. Mami died at her home in peace with the grace of God. Visiting hours at the Brady & Fallon Funeral Home 10 Tower St. (Opp. Forest Hills MBTA Station) Jamaica Plain are scheduled for Tuesday May 17 from 6-9 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of The Holy Cross 1400 Washington St. in the South End of Boston on Wedensday May 18 at 10 AM. Realtives and friends are invited. Interment will take place at Mt. Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury.