Christie Rodriguez

The “gift” of becoming a mom was given to me on 6-11-86 when my Christie was born. Together with “Abuelito” and “Abuelita”- her life was treasured and cherished in her first home. Christie won the greatest lotto with these “amazing grandparents”, and later in life she also loved to play the lotto. With endless pride her Abuelitos also became Christie’s Godparents on her baptism day. She grew up in South Florida with her Latin heritage, Marlboro cigarettes, her Cuban coffee, and a sunny smile that was brighter than the Florida sun. Christie loved her family, get-togethers with all her uncles and cousins and even the simple pleasures of spending time driving with her best friend and savior–mom anytime-going anywhere. With her brother Bryan, they enjoyed a diverse relationship that was uniquely their own while with her sisters, it became just like the Cyndi Lauper song “girls just wanna have fun”. She appreciated the beauty of nature’s ocean and totally loved God’s creatures- especially dogs and cats. God also gave her many talents including her artistic ability and creativity in writing – both of which she used to express herself and her dynamic imagination. This was especially evident in the elaborate and beautiful tattoos that became part of her and defined who she was. Christie graduated from Miami Springs Senior High School in 2004, she was really good at Su Duko and had plans to start her college degree in funeral services this fall at Miami Dade Community College. Like many young girls she struggled with her weight, yet Christie had a style that became her very own. She also had a work ethic that didn’t allow her to become complacent in only doing woman’s work. Christie was willing to do the tough jobs and was an advocate that epitomized “Rosie the Riveter”- who triumphed the phrase “we can do it!” And she “did it all” working the restaurant industry up to the very end- where she loved to cook and see her patrons enjoy their meals. Through the years Christie lived her very best by overcoming ups and downs- while never forgetting where she came from, and that she was loved by her Mom and her step -father Beny whom she called her “Papito”. Father God called Christie back to his Kingdom on Sunday August 18th, 2013. Rest in Peace Christie -our Sweet Angel.