Known as Ramona, she was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. In a time when it was mostly unheard of for women, she graduated from the University of Habana as both an accountant and an attorney. Ramona married the love of her life, Ortelio Rodriguez, M.D. on August 2nd, 1953 and began to raise three loving daughters.
In 1960, due to the communist regime that had taken over Cuba, Ramona and her family were forced to flee their beloved home to the United States in search of freedom. As they began to rebuild their lives in Florida, Ramona became fluent in English while continuing to support her family during the difficult transition.
Ramona then worked alongside her husband to establish his successful medical practice until his retirement. Always finding solace in her faith, she became an integral part of the Catholic community in Tampa. She was a daily mass attendee and devoted parishioner of Christ the King Catholic Church. This provided her the opportunity to support Catholic Education programs both here and abroad. Specifically, she contributed to the Catholic education of underserved communities including The Salesian Sisters, Villa Madonna School, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, in India and the Dominican Republic. She remained passionate about the importance of education and the opportunities it could provide. Lovingly called “Mama” by her family she instilled the values of faith, gratitude, and education.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ortelio, her brother Daniel, and her great granddaughter Emmi Grace Angel. She is survived by her brother Diego, daughters Ramona (Antonio d. 2014) Castellvi, Dolores (Anthony) Martino, and Irene (Robert) Rodriguez, 9 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.
A funeral Mass for Ramona Rodriguez will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:00am at Christ the King Catholic Church, 821 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL. Immediately following, a burial will take place at Myrtle Hill Cemetery, 4202 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cure Kids Cancer Now! through curekidscancernow.org.
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