Maria Rodriguez October 15, 1932 – March 24, 2019 Share this obituary Sign Guestbook Maria “CoCo” Rodriguez (birth given name was Socorro Maria Pacho) was born on October 15, 1932 to Ines Rivera and Emilio Pacho in Santurce, Puerto Rico. She was one of nine children, Americo Rivera (deceased), Candita Pacho, Cruz Pacho (deceased), Pura Pacho (deceased), Emilio Pacho (deceased), Mirta Pacho, Miguel Pacho and Ines McDowell (Pacho). Maria was the middle child.
She attended Julian Blanco Elementary School and Rafael M. Labra Junior High School. In 1950, Maria married Fernando Rodriguez, Sr. The newlyweds honeymooned in New York City and decided to make a life together in the Big Apple. Maria became pregnant early 1952 with her first child.
The couple’s stay was short-lived in New York due to Fernando being drafted by the U.S. Military. While her husband served in the Korean War, Maria went back to Puerto Rico to be closer to her family, soon giving birth to her firstborn, Fernando “Chico” Rodriguez, Jr. When Fernando Jr. was two years old, Fernando Sr. returned from war and relocated his family back to New York City. Maria and Fernando had three more children together, Pilar “Mommie” Rodriguez (deceased), Miriam “Baby” Smith (Rodriguez) and Edwardo “Eddie” Rodriguez (deceased).
Maria ensured that she instilled strong family values and morals into her children. She was very supportive and cared for her children, dearly. The family moved to “2660” Drew Hamilton Houses in 1965.
They were one of the first families to move in the building. Maria resided there until her demise. In 1989, her oldest daughter, Pilar (Mommie) passed away.
Maria and Fernando Sr. took on the responsibility of raising her four children, Shalena Sheppard (Rodriguez), Yolanda “Yoyo” Rodriguez, Chinadoll Rodriguez and Anthony Rich. Over the years, she worked multiple jobs as a factory worker and home attendant. Maria always took care of her family.
Family was the biggest part of who she was. She was kind-hearted and to know her was to love her. Maria had a huge spirit of giving.
She was understanding, fun, outgoing, and the “life of the party”. Maria loved to travel. She prided herself on being the “flyest on the block” and making sure all her children were fly, as well.
Maria leaves to cherish and celebrate her life: one sister and brother in-law, Ines and Eathel McDowell; one daughter and son-in-law, Miriam (Baby) and Preston Smith, Jr.; fifteen grandchildren and one grandson-in-law, Fernando (Fergie) Deas, Shalena and Raymond Sheppard, Sr., Catherine (Tonya) Deas, Yolanda (Yoyo) Rodriguez; Lakeisha (Ines) Williams, Pansy Rodriguez, Eric Bolton, Chinadoll Rodriguez, Anthony Rich, Natasha Rodriguez, Lo’ren (Loly) Smith, Myules Stewart, Francesca (Franny) Rodriguez, Preston Smith III, and Olivia Rodriguez; twenty-seven great grandchildren, Shawntera (BooBoo), Raymond (Ray Ray), Terrell, Tyani, Deja, Kayla, Tamia, Beijing, Zayin, Brandon, Jaelyn, Mya, Heaven, Anicia, Faith, Madison, Saniah, Nathaniel, London, Jayolani, Rory III, Jackson, Mykius, Mysius, and Charly; one great great grandchild, Paris; and a host of nieces, nephews and close friends. Although this is a difficult time to see beyond sorrow, may looking back on all the beautiful memories with Maria help comfort you tomorrow.
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