Lydia (Lee) Maria Rodriguez

Lydia was born in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico on August 2, 1938 to parents Alfredo Rodriguez and Amalia Guzman. She came to live in Camden, NJ in the 1940s. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School then later trained to become a nurse.

As a new nurse, Lydia worked at the former West Jersey Hospital. She then worked as a nurse with Dr. Jose A. Sosa, serving the Camden community for over 25 years. Ever full of energy, Lydia also worked part time at Cooper River West Care Facility.

After retiring from nursing, Lydia shifted careers and trained to become a New Jersey State Corrections Officer. She worked at Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women until her retirement in 2000.

After retiring, Lydia resided in Allentown, PA. In 2010, she moved to Ann Arbor, MI where she resided at Lurie Terrace. At Lurie, she met a delightful community of friends and neighbors. Lydia’s retirement years were spent enjoying her family and friends, perfecting her crochet skills and playing bingo.

Lydia is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Wilfred and Leon,Jr.; and sons Franklin (Mackie) and James (Jay). She is survived by her children Angelo and Beverly; grandchildren Angel Lee, Angel and Jayson; great grandchildren DaeJon, Gary and Dyce; siblings Sandra, Rosa and Marisol; in addition to loving aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In mid-July, an intimate memorial service was held in Lydia's home town. An ash-scattering-at-sea service was held off the shores of the Atlantic City Boardwalk for Lydia and her son Jay, who passed away September 21, 2012.

To honor Lydia’s memory, the family is requesting donations be made to “THON,” a pediatric cancer fund-raising organization she supported because it was near and dear to the heart of her son Jay. Donations can be made at www.thon.org or via mail to Penn State Marathan, Attn: Finance, 210 HUB, University Park, PA 16802, 800-392-THON (8466).

Arrangements made under the direction of Muehlig Funeral Chapel.