A native of Puerto Rico, Sotomayor served in the Women’s Army Corps during World War II, later moving to New York City. She married after the war but was widowed when their two children were young. Sotomayor raised the children as a single mother, working first as a telephone operator and then earning her nursing degree and working as a registered nurse. Her children grew up to become a Supreme Court justice and a physician.
Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Celina Baez Sotomayor, a nursing alumna from @HostosCollege. I had the true joy of meeting her a few times during my time as Hostos president, including when she came to witness her daughter, Justice Sotomayor, speak at commencement. pic.twitter.com/KJ3hGbShYj
— Félix V. Matos Rodríguez (@ChancellorCUNY) July 27, 2021
Celina Baez Sotomayor led a remarkable and inspiring life from Puerto Rico to the Bronx, becoming a nurse and raising two children on her own. My heart is heavy for Justice Sotomayor and all those who loved her mother.https://t.co/Raqo8wnr23
— Rep. Nydia Velazquez (@NydiaVelazquez) July 26, 2021
Oh Dear, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, my condolences for the loss of your Mama. I am so glad she was able to see her DAUGHTER, rise to the U S SUPREME COURT & Serve with Distinction! ❤🙏❤ https://t.co/HnHcgc89Xw
News editor, Legacy.com. Named 2017's Obituary Writer of the Year by the Society of Professional Obituary Writers. Quoted by CNN, the New York Times, and Macleans.
