Sonia Naomi Rodriguez-Dejesus

Sonia Naomi Rodriguez-Dejesus
Aug 25, 1963 - May 9, 2020

She was born in Caguas Puerto Rico, and was a long-time resident of Lawrence. She spent most

of her life as a volunteer with Lazarus House Ministries. After volunteering for many years, she

advanced and became the supervisor of their homeless shelter. She dedicated her life to giving

and helping those in need. Her career exemplified that and everywhere she went she left smiles

on the faces of everyone she encountered. She was a mother to everyone’s children with her

open door policy and nobody was left behind. She had a heavy heart dealing with her own

struggles and the never-ending battle with her mother’s health issues, but she never gave up,

becoming a full time caregiver for her mother and also working part time in retail all the way up

until her last days. She wanted to make everyone feel loved and wanted. Her biggest passions

consisted of God and her family. Anyone who was lucky enough to know her, knew her heart

and that she made sure everyone was always fed, food was passed to everyone- even strangers;

never allowing anyone to go hungry. She was full of forgiveness- walking in the image of God.

She was a role model to all of her children and grandchildren showing them not only compassion

but also how to love. She leaves us, never alone but in the presence and arms of each other. She

left in peace, not afraid of leaving behind those she loved, knowing that all would be protected as

she protected us while she was here. She told us never to cry when she parts, never to fear

because in the Lord’s arms we are always protected in this life or the next.

She is preceded by her sister Madeline Rodriguez, her father Antonio Rodriguez. She is survived

by her mother, Regalada S. Caraballo Santiago, her step-father Norberto Santiago. She was the

sister to Robert Santiago, and sister to Maria Espinal and Denise Flores. She leaves behind her

children- her sons Jose Antonio Aponte, Angel Colon, his spouse Tanya Devoe, her daughters,

Tonia Colon, her spouse Nelson Delvalle, Awilda Colon, her significant other DeShawn

Callaway, Rosita Colon, eleven grandchildren, one great grandchild and many nieces, nephews,

cousins and friends.