Orquidia F Rodriguez's Obituary
RODRIGUEZ, Orquidia Fleitas, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020.
Orquidia was born in 1936 in San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba where she met the love of her life, Jose M. Rodriguez (Cheo). On December 25, 1957, Orquidia and Jose were married in Cuba; and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.
In February 1958, they moved to Tampa, Florida and lived in Ybor City, where Orquidia worked at Corrales Cigar factory. Shortly after, she dedicated her life to her husband, and raising her three children (two sons and one daughter) in West Tampa. Orquidia was the matriarch of her family; she always supported her family in Cuba and was a loyal friend to many.
Known to her grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Abuela”, she always cooked them authentic Cuban meals, showered them with unconditional love, laughter and endless memories.
She was predeceased by her parents, Severino Fleitas and Juliana Othon Rodriguez, Her brother Orlando Fleitas Othon and daughter-in-law Maria Rodriguez.
She is survived by her husband Jose M. Rodriguez, brother Enrique Arecio Fleitas Othon (Maria Eugenia Fleitas), her son Michael Rodriguez, daughter Mariza Cona (Ronnie) and son Jose M. Rodriguez, Jr. (Bessie), five grandchildren; Kayla N. Miller (Timothy), Ronnie A. Cona, Jr. (Amanda), Jose M. Rodriguez, III, Krista Mercer (Gage), Michael Joshua Rodriguez and two great grandchildren Brady and Emma Miller.
The pallbearers are Jose M. Rodriguez, Jr., Michael Rodriguez, Jose M. Rodriguez, III, Ronnie Cona. Ronnie Cona, Jr., Oriel Rodriguez and Timothy Miller Jr.
This is a private celebration of life for immediate family only. Flowers will be accepted or please donate to Orquidia’s favorite charity St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital http://giftfunds.stjude.org/OrquidiaRodriguez
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