Felicita Mojica

LAWRENCE — Felicita Mojica, 73, long-time community organizer, of Lawrence and formerly of Manhattan, N.Y. passed away early Friday morning, Feb. 8, 2008 at Academy Manor Genesis Eldercare in Andover.

She was born on May 26, 1934 in Can—vanas, Puerto Rico and was the daughter of the late Juan and Julia (Perez) Mojica. She was raised in Can—vanas and was educated in its local schools.

She settled in the area of Manhattan in 1951. She was employed with various healthcare agencies as a nurse's aide and as a personal care assistant for many years.

In 1989, after her retirement, she moved to Lawrence to live closer to family. She developed a great affection for the City of Lawrence and became interested in its history and redevelopment. Empowering family and friends to become active in social and political events of our great city played an important role in her life. She was especially proud of having been able to contribute to our community by helping run an election as a poll worker from 1994 through the September 2007 presidential primary. Her efforts for the advancement of awareness of civic and cultural organizations in our city stem over a decade. Organization memberships she held include, Cosecha Borincana, Lawrence/Methuen Community Coalition, New England Puerto Rican Alliance, Semana Hispana, Weed & Seed Lawrence/Methuen, among many others.

Mrs. Mojica stood for all that is good and fair in our free country. She was very proud of our great nation and she felt everyone played a significant role in its development. A loyal friend and listener she always heard both sides of an issue and enthusiastically worked to be part of a solution. The recent news of her passing away brought tears to the eyes of the many that knew her and will be sorely felt by all who contributed alongside her.

Family members include four sons, Antonio Laureano and his wife Germania of Bronx, N.Y., Luis Laureano of Bronx, Harry Laureano and his wife Shelley of Brooklyn, Hector Laureano and his wife Lillian of Long Island, N.Y.; three daughters, Rosa L. Cruz and her husband William Guzman of Lawrence, Carmen Laureano of Bronx, Alba and her husband Robert Waschell of Queens, N.Y.; three sisters, Cristina Mojica of Fajardo, PR, Carmen Mojica of San Isidro, PR, Ana Colon of Lawrence; nephew, Victor Santiago of Lawrence; long-time close friends, Honorio "Nolin" Vasquez of Lawrence, Gloria Matthews of Lawrence; two grandchildren, Christian Cruz and his wife Jennifer of Sheboygan, Wis., Anthony Cruz of Lawrence; four grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Two sons, infant Rafael Laureano and Jose Laureano, predeceased her.

ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral from the Diaz-Healy Funeral Home Inc., 107 South Broadway, opposite St. Patrick Church, South Lawrence. Visiting hours in the funeral home will be Monday, Feb. 11, 2008 from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 205 Hampshire St., Lawrence will be held Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008. Relatives and friends are kindly called to attend. Interment to follow will be private. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Cosecha Borincana, c/o Treasurer, 18 Hancock St., Lawrence, MA 01841. Courtesy local transportation for the scheduled services will be provided on request by calling Daniel J. Healy at tel. 978 685-5732.