Conchita F. Rodriguez

RODRIGUEZ, Conchita F. "Connie" (Farincci) Age 80, of Randolph and Ponce, Puerto Rico February 17, 2009. Beloved wife of the late Carlos C. Rodriguez. Loving mother of Howard Ferguson of FL, Eunice Nolan of Marshfield, James Ferguson of E. Boston, Sarah Fallas of Roslindale, Inez Vargas of Brockton, Vilma Andrade of Holbrook, Miriam Rodriguez of Randolph, Carlos C. Rodriguez, Jr. of FL. and the late Thomas A. Ferguson. Also Survived by 23 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and one great, great grand daughter. Conchita was the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts Chapter. She has been advocating for Spanish-speaking families in the Boston area for over three decades. After immigrating to Boston from Puerto Rico, she worked as an interpreter at Boston City Hospital, then as Hispanic Coordinator for the Jamaica Plain Area Planning Action Council. She founded and became the first Director of Oficina Hispana de Jamaica Plain, a community advocacy group. She later founded and became the first director of PRESS (Puerto Rican Entering and Settling Services), a grassroots organization to aid new immigrants. The City of Boston subsequently recruited Conchita as Hispanic Liaison in the Mayor's Office of Public Service, where she continued her work to empower and mediate for Spanish-speaking city residents in their dealings with police, social workers, physicians, and other service providers. She also served as Associate Commissioner of the Metropolitan District Commission. Reposing at the Cartwright Funeral Home, 419 No. Main St. (Rte. 28), RANDOLPH until 10:30 AM Monday followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM St. Bernadette Church, Randolph. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Burial in Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. For additional information, directions or to leave a sympathy message visit our web site at www.cartwrightfuneral.com