Juana Maria Rodriguez

"La Negra" & "Tata"
July 17, 1952 – March 3, 2026

With profound sorrow and deep gratitude for her extraordinary life, we announce the passing of Juana María Rodriguez, lovingly known as "La Negra" and "Tata," who entered eternal rest on March 3, 2026, at the age of 73. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and a woman of unwavering faith.

At just 17 years old, Juana courageously left her homeland and migrated from the Dominican Republic to the United States with determination in her heart and a dream of building a better future for her family. As one of nine siblings, she carried deep love and responsibility for those she left behind. Through tireless work, sacrifice, and perseverance, she helped bring her beloved parents and her eight siblings to this country, forever changing the course of her family's history. Because of her courage, generations were blessed with opportunity and stability.

Her life was firmly rooted in her devotion to God and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Prayer was her foundation, and the rosary was never far from her hands. In times of hardship and in moments of joy, she placed her complete trust in the Lord. She lived her faith through humility, generosity, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Truly, she fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

Juana was a devoted and selfless mother to her three beloved children: Carlos Jerez, Marilin Jerez Cotton, and Jasmin Checo. Her children were her pride and her greatest blessing. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Steve Checo, whom she loved deeply and carried in her heart always.

She was also preceded in death by her cherished parents, Daniel Rodriguez and Maria Rodriguez, as well as her younger brother, Miguel Rodriguez.

She is survived by her eight loving siblings, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews who adored her unconditionally and will forever remember her guidance, warmth, and the special place she held in their hearts.

To her grandchildren, she was "Mama Tata," a name spoken with tenderness and joy. She covered them in constant prayer and affection. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Hendrick Ramirez, Richard Ramirez, Sophia Santiago, Alexander Gerez, Steven Jerez, Xzavier Jerez, Priscilla Taveras, Gabriel Taveras, and Faith Taveras, who brought immense pride and joy to her life. She was also blessed with her cherished great-grandchildren D'Angelo and Josiah, whose lives were a continuation of the love and legacy she built.

Juana was the heart of her family, the steady presence, the prayer warrior, the one who held everyone together. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing she now rests in the presence of God, reunited with her beloved son, her parents, and her younger brother, embraced in eternal peace and under the loving mantle of the Virgin Mary.

Her legacy of sacrifice, faith, strength, and unconditional love will live on for generations. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and never forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Friday, March 6, from 4pm until 7pm in the "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston. Her funeral will begin Saturday, March 7, at 8:45am at the "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Michael's Church, 239 Oxford St., Providence. Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in her memory.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com.