Zoraida

Rodriguez

At the age of 82, Zoraida Rodriguez, a cherished matriarch and devoted homemaker, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, at The Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts. With a heart as warm as the tropical sun of her birthplace, she leaves behind a legacy of love that will echo through the lives she touched.
Born on July 5, 1943, in Orocovis, Puerto Rico, Zoraida was the beloved daughter of the late Simon Escobar and Elides Lopez Escobar, one of their ten spirited children. In 1973, she found her second home in Chelsea, Massachusetts, where she would nurture her family for over five decades.
Zoraida devoted her life to caring for her loved ones, marrying the love of her life, Hector Rodriguez Bonilla, 58 years ago. Together, they embraced the joys and challenges of raising two daughters and four sons, intertwining their lives with laughter, resilience, and an unwavering bond. In June of this year, she faced the profound loss of her partner, yet she carried the strength of their shared memories into the next chapter of her life.
A dedicated parishioner of St. Rose of Lima Church, Zoraida found solace and community within its walls. Her creative spirit shone brightly as a talented seamstress and artisan; she crafted clothing and jewelry that brought joy to her family, transforming simple materials into treasures.
Zoraida's absence will be felt deeply by her devoted children: Migdalia Justiniano, Hector Rodriguez, George Rodriguez and his wife Beatrice, Yvette Rodriguez, and Javier Rodriguez. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Leonardo Rodriguez. Her loving legacy continues through twelve cherished grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, who will forever carry her spirit in their hearts.
She will be remembered fondly as a sister to Efrain Escobar, Margarita Escobar, Angel Escobar, Pablo Escobar, Enudio Escobar, Manuel Escobar, Judy Escobar, Terry Johnson, and Edwin Escobar—a bond that filled her life with cherished moments.

Zoraida's family and friends are invited to honor her memory during visiting hours at the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Her funeral and procession to church will be from the funeral home on Thursday, October 9th at 9:00 A.M., leading to a heartfelt Funeral Mass at St. Rose of Lima Church at 10:00 AM. As the sun rises once more, Zoraida will find her final rest alongside her husband, Hector, in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.

In the embrace of family and faith, let us gather to celebrate Zoraida Rodriguez—a steadfast thread in the tapestry of our lives, whose love will forever shine like the stars above.