Crimilda Rubildo

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Crimilda Rubildo. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Crimilda was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

      Crimilda was born at home in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico. She was the daughter of Emerito and Carmen Rodriguez Rubildo. Crimilda was raised in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico and New York, New York. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Crimilda was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Crimilda's personality throughout her life.

      Though Crimilda was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Crimilda was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Crimilda worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Crimilda was raised with three siblings. She had one sister, Blanca Maria Rodriguez and two brothers, Emilio Rodriguez Jr. and Samuel Rodriguez. Crimilda and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Crimilda was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Crimilda was always tactful. One thing Crimilda will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Crimilda had a number of interests and was an active child. Crimilda took part in jax and jump rope. She was a loyal church member from age 5. In her spare time she liked crochetimg, gardening and singing in the church choir Crimilda's memorable achievements included taking care of her home and family.

      For Crimilda, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Crimilda was also adept at details. Crimilda was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English. During her high school years she went on a misssion trip with her church.

      There was one thing that all of Crimilda's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Crimilda was such a popular person throughout her life. But Crimilda was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Crimilda was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Crimilda was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Crimilda was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Crimilda was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Crimilda made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Carmen Gonzalez, Crucita Arroyo, Nilda Gonzalez and Hilda Gonzalez. Later in life her best friend was Carmen Gonzalez.

      Crimilda was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Crimilda cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On May 31, 1958 Crimilda married Fernando Miranda at La Sinagoga in New York, New York. Compassionate and devoted, Crimilda worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Crimilda and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Crimilda was blessed with three children, one son, Fernando Miranda and two daughters, Annette Miranda and Rosalie Miranda. They were also blessed with nine grandchildren, Chrissy, Christopher, Nicky, Natasha, Jordan, Natalie, Mark,Popo and Ferny and she also had eight great-grandchildren, Ricky, C. J., Leiannie, Ali, Leia, Christian, Lola and Levi. Crimilda was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Crimilda was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Crimilda would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Crimilda, and she expected the same from those around her. Crimilda was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Crimilda was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Crimilda handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was in communications as a telephone operator. She was employed for 30 years in the communications field before retiring. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Crimilda enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were knitting, gardening, cooking, shopping, watching Novelas, 70's shows, playing dominoes, entertaining and hosting family and friends.

      Crimilda was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Crimilda was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Crimilda loved to jump rope. Crimilda also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were boxing and car racing.

     Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Crimilda to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Crimilda did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Crimilda was a member of the church and youth groups. In college, Crimilda joined the church and youth groups. Throughout her later years, Crimilda was an active member of the church and youth groups.

      Crimilda was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community, serving on committees for the church all of her life.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Crimilda well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. During that time, she was a choir member and involved in the youth and womens group. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Not only did Crimilda enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included the Holy Land, Canada. Puerto Rico, Florida and Myrtle Beach.

      Crimilda was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Mimi, who was a best friend for 13 years. Her family was rounded out by her dog Tar, a fish, birds, turtles, cats, hampsters, and chickens as a child.

      Since it was easy for Crimilda to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Crimilda was ready when that day to retire finally came in 2001. Her new life involved relocating to New York. In retirement, she found new pleasure in gardening, playing dominoes, cooking and watching TV shows. Even in retirement, Crimilda stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Crimilda passed away on June 11, 2017 at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, N. C. of congestive heart failure. She is survived by her 3 children, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren 2 brothers and a sister Services were held at Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations. Crimilda was cremated and her remains were lovingly placed in an urn and is now at home with her family.

      Crimilda was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Crimilda was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Crimilda Rubildo.