Born in Camaguey, Cuba on January 8, 1919, Gina, as she was known to family and friends, moved to Havana in 1945 and there met her future husband, William Rod whom she married in 1947. She worked as an accountant in Havana before immigrating to the United States in 1962 with her sons after Cuba became a communist state. Because her husband William was not allowed to leave Cuba until 1967, she had the sole responsibility of being mother and father to her young sons.
Survivors include her sons William (Johnnie) Rod of Charlotte and Frank (Bridget) Rodriguez of Georgia; grandchildren Chris and Amanda Rod of Charlotte, Frank (Kim) Rodriguez, Jr. and Neal Rodriguez of Louisiana; great-granddaughter Kahlan Rodriguez of Louisiana, sister Norma Socarras, nephew and nieces Robin (Debbie) Smith, Sherry (Allen) Adams, Sandra Royalty, and brother-in-law William Royalty, all of Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alberto and Virginia de la Torre Socarras, husband William in 2002, beloved sisters Bertha Royalty and Martha Smith and brother-in-law Clarence Smith.
Her family will greet friends on Friday, September 5, 2014 from 1-2 PM at the McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, with a memorial service to celebrate her life immediately following at 2:00 PM.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Legacy Heights Assisted Living Center, Pineville Rehab & Living Center, and Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region.
Memorials may be directed to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region – South Charlotte, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226, (704) 375-0100 or to St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28277, (704) 543-7677.
Condolences to the family may be offered at www.mcewenpinevillechapel.com.
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