MIRIAM E. "MEDIUM" RINI

The following obituary is being republished to provide corrected information. MIRIAM E. "MEDIUM" (BARRERA) RINI, passed into God's loving hands Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, after a year-long battle with cancer. Born on March 9, 1959, in Caracas, Venezuela, she was the daughter of Orangel Barrera and Guadalupe de Barrera; they survive in Caracas. She was the beloved wife of Thomas J. Rini, who survives. Miriam and Tom met in Cleveland, Ohio in 1985; they married in 1987 and moved to Florida. She joined McDonald's in 1988 as a crew member. In 1995, they moved to Fort Wayne to start a family. Their daughter, Alexis Anderina Rini was born in November of 1997; she survives. Miriam continued her career with McDonald's. Her accomplishments continued to escalate; she soon became Store Manager, later, promoted into Area Supervisor, followed by Field Consultant, and last but not least, presently a Regional Trainer for the Indianapolis region. She was widely respected and rewarded for her commitment and work ethics. She received the outstanding Manager of the Year award and the coveted Ray Kroc award, which presently is awarded to only 1% of store managers in the U.S. Midway through her career, she became involved in the Women Leadership Network, as well as the Diversity and Hispanic Career Development for McDonald's Corporation. She was a driven, strong career woman and very family-oriented. She will always be remembered for her accomplishments and her passion for life. In addition to her parents, husband, and 12 year old daughter, she is survived by her mother-in-law, Eileen Pangallo; her niece, Melissa Alvarado; and sister to Guadalupe Josefina de Alvarado, Orangel, Jr., Miguel and Mayula, all of Caracas. Memorial gathering is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Arlington Park Club House (downstairs room), 4630 Arlington Park Blvd., Fort Wayne. Arrangements by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services, Fort Wayne.