Milagros “Terry” Rodriguez, 63, entered into eternal rest on Monday, June 12, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. Born in Manhattan, NY and raised in Brooklyn, she was the daughter of José J. and the late Minerva (Quiñones) Rodriguez and the late Luis Cruz. In 1979, Terry moved to Springfield to start a family with the late Jose A. Gonzalez, her husband at the time, and made it her home. For thirty-three years, Terry worked at the New North Citizens Council where she held various community positions, including running the Toys for Tots drive, the Baystate Backpack drive, and various North End community festivals, as well as the coveted position as the late Barbara Rivera’s right hand woman. She was the HIV Counseling and Testing Coordinator, the Covid Testing and Vaccine Coordinator and Supervisor of the North End Drop In Center. Terry was appointed to the City of Springfield Park Commission for twenty-three years and held the title of chairwoman at the time of her death. She also worked at Friends of the Homeless for decades being part of the original team that opened the shelter on Worthington Street. Terry received the Commissioners Award, which is the highest recognition by the Springfield Health and Human Services Department. She also received recognition from the Greater Springfield World AIDS Committee and The Stone Soul Festival for her dedication to Public Health. Terry was the longest serving member of the Bureau of Substance Abuse (BSAS) Consumer Advisory Board representing Springfield. She also held various coaching positions throughout her early life with SECC and Springfield Parks and Recreation. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Springfield College and she obtained various certificates yearly from the New England School of Addictions. Terry was licensed in CAS, LADC1, CCDP, CCJP, and MAPGS and she was also involved with the North End C3 Community Policing. She leaves two daughters, Kristine Gonzalez and Nicole Gonzalez (Nick Carelock) of Springfield, two “other” children Maria Warrick and Joel Gonzalez of Florida, her longtime partner of twenty-eight years, Hugo Rivera, two brothers, José Rodriguez and Richard Rodriguez of Springfield, three sisters, Minerva Marrero of Springfield, Barbara Cruz of Chicopee and Aixa Brockington of Indiana, three “other” sisters Janet Denney, Doreen Coakley Rodriguez and Cheryl Coakley Rivera of Springfield, five grandchildren, Jayden Morgan, Noah Rosa, Janaya Morgan, Nicolas Carelock, Nailani Carelock, and her “other” grandson Tyriq Thomas all of Springfield and many nieces, nephews and family members. She had many devoted friendships, however she leaves behind her close confidantes and best friends Ada Munoz, Alberto and Darlene Cotto, Meggin McCarthy, Rosa Espinosa, Maria Ligus, and Elizabeth Santos to cherish her memory. The funeral will be Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10am at Curran Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, West Springfield followed by burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Springfield. Calling hours are Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 2pm-5pm and 6pm-9pm and on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 10am until noon. For online condolences please visit www.curranjones.com
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