Rose Mildred Orimo

Rose Mildred Rodriguez Orimo was born September 10, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York to Daniel and Antonia Rodriguez. After a family trip to visit their native Puerto Rico, the young parents left Mildred in the care of her doting grandparents and aunts. Her aunts, Rosa and especially Milagros adored her. She was raised in the small town of Aibonito and also in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She grew up with her cousins, Heriberto and Jose Bonilla, in one family home. They were all raised as siblings and formed a bond that continued until her death at age 90.

Mildred graduated Cum Laude from her high school, Escuela Superior de Aibonito. She went on to receive her BA in Education at University of Puerto Rico. She taught high school English while living with her aunts until her recruitment into a special training program for Occupational Therapists in the U.S. Army. After training Texas, she was stationed at Valley Forge Army Hospital. It was there that she met, fell in love and married Kazuo Orimo, M.D. Following an honorable discharge from the army, they made their homes first on the east and eventually, the west coast. While living in Buffalo, NY she gave birth to daughter, Elaine and son, Louis. The family relocated to Murphys, CA where Kazuo was the Medical Director of Bret Hart Hospital. Mildred kept a beautiful home and made life there fun and exciting for her children.

In 1969, Kazuo became Assistant Medical Director at San Joaquin General Hospital and the family moved into her dream home here in Stockton, CA where she resided for the last 49 years. Mildred was active at her childrens’ school, Elaine’s dance classes and Lou’s sports. She also participated in the S.J. Medical Auxiliary and the Stockton Symphony League. She eventually returned to work as an Occupational Therapist for Elmhaven Convalescent Hospital where she spent many happy years working with patients and forming long-lasting friendships with co-workers, Bernice Wahler, Wanda Steiner, Bell Gonzales and James Martin. Mrs. “O”, as they fondly referred to her, worked at Elmhaven until retiring in 1983.

During her retirement, she continued with her hobbies: sewing, traveling, crafts, cooking and gardening. She lovingly cared for Kazuo through his illnesses until his death from heart disease in 1985. In 1987 and 1990, Mildred added her granddaughter, Rachel and grandson, Joseph to the long list of people who loved and adored her for her many talents and effervescent and caring personality.

Mildred was a devout Catholic whose faith and determination saw her through her third and final bout of Lymphoma. Mildred passed away on October 23, 2018 in her beloved home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, brother, Heriberto and her former daughter-in-law and close friend, Laura.

Mildred was a steady force to be reckoned with. She stayed true to her ideals, put her family first and always did what was right. Her family will follow in those footsteps. She taught us well.

The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, 2 East and Pavilions ICU along with Central Valley Specialty Hospital in Modesto, for their kindness and care during her 71 total days at their facilities. Our unending gratitude is extended to Vitas Hospice and My Best Home Care Company for allowing the miracle of her homecoming for her final week of life.

Should you wish to make a donation in her name please consider: The Lymphoma Research Foundation, American Cancer Society, The Maryknoll Society, or your local Catholic Parish.

Mildred’s memory lives on strong in the hearts of her children Elaine and Louis, grandchildren Rachel and Joseph, brothers Heriberto and Jose, half-sister Carmen, former daughter-in-law Laura, “honorary daughter” Priscilla Parial, nieces and nephews Danny Lopez, Susan Mecca, Michelle Simonds, Gary Lopez, Jeanie Oda, Alan Oda, Dale Haratani, Emily Ushijima, Mimi, Loren, and Erin Kagehiro, Edward, Jeni, Cody, Noah, and Rosie Bonilla, Lisa, Rick, Ben and Jacob Church, Joyce Brody and Janet Culp and their children, the last two of the gang of seven compadres Tere Elvira, Irma DeJesus, and dearest friends Mike and Emily Ventura, Bernice Wahler, Wanda Steiner, Bell Gonzales and James Martin and countless others who were touched by her sunny countenance.

Visitation will be on Monday October 29, 2018 from 2 to 6PM with a Rosary at 6PM at Frisbie-Warren and Carroll 809 N. California Street Stockton, CA.

Funeral Mass will be on Tuesday October 30, 2018 at 11AM at the Cathedral of The Annunciation at Rose & Van Buren Streets.