Noelia Rodriguez

Noelia Melba Jerez-Fonseca was born on March 2, 1915, in Manzanillo, Cuba. She moved to Tampa from Havana in 1964. Noelia was the only child of Jose Maria Fonseca and Balbina Jerez-Fonseca. She died on March 7, 2017, in Tampa, Florida, age 102. Noelia was a parishioner at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Hardiness and courage were Noelia’s hallmarks. She became a Registered Nurse and cared for many patients, both in Cuba and in Tampa. She endured unthinkable heartaches. She taught us that to live is to suffer, but to survive is to find meaning in that suffering. She was loving, lovely and loyal. Her husband, Dr. Francisco Rodriguez-Montoya, was the love of her life. Her daughters, Lourdes and Alina, were the inspiration. She adored her grandchildren, who called her Abuela and “Tata.” And they (as well as her great-grandchildren) adored her. Her culinary skills were legendary. She was ever in prayer. She had a knack for telling stories. Stories that will live on in her memory. She was preceded in death by: Dr. Francisco Rodriguez-Montoya (husband), died 1986, and Lourdes Miquel (daughter), died 1988. She is survived by: Daughter: Alina Rodriguez Ferlita and husband, Dr. John A. Ferlita; beloved friend: Lourdes Granda Alvarez Grandchildren: Paul Miquel and wife Maggie Cundiff Miquel, Christina Miquel Smith and husband Robert Smith,Lorielle Ferlita Carroll and husband, Michael Carroll, John Anthony Ferlita II, Joshua Alexander Ferlita and wife Savannah Smith Ferlita; Great grandchildren: Taylor Lourdes Smith, Raegan Marie Smith, Landon James Carroll, Julia Nichole Carroll, Waylen Speir Ferlita. A Funeral Mass to honor Noelia's life will take place at 10:30am, Saturday, April 1, 2017 in St. Lawrence Catholic Church, with interment to follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Noelia's name to St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Noelia will be truly missed by her family, extended family and friends . She cared for many and will be missed by all. Words of comfort may be expressed for Noelia's family by clicking on the “Share a Memory” link below.