Mrs. Josefa Rodriguez Abad

Josefina Abad, aged 81, died on January 3, 2014 at the Laurels Nursing Home in Charlottesville, VA, after sustaining a fall and following a brief struggle with biliary cancer. Josefina was born September 17, 1932, in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, daughter of Jose Maria Rodriguez and Leonila Gutierrez. Josefina loved school and studied English as a teenager in Cuba. Josefina married Benito Manuel Abad in Havana, Cuba and had three children between 1961 and 1968. In 1966, she moved from Cuba with her family and two children to Orlando, Florida to offer them the opportunity for a new life in the United States. She raised her children in Orlando, Florida, where her eldest daughter attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and the youngest, the University of Central Florida. In addition to raising her three children, Josefina also worked as a seamstress out of her home and later for Sheraton Hotels, where she was recognized several times for her excellent service. After the passing of her husband, she moved to Charlottesville in 1991 where she helped her daughter, Ana, and son-in-law, James Sinden, take care of and raise their three children, while they were at work. She loved sewing, cooking Cuban food, and spending time with her family. Josefina is survived by her daughter, Ana Abad-Jorge, current son-in-law, Antonio Jorge, and her son, Benito Abad and daughter-in-law, Alice Robinson Abad, all from Charlottesville, VA. She is also survived by her daughter, Alina Robinson, and son-in-law, Mark Robinson, of Orlando, Florida. She was also a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren, Daniel Sinden, 24, Mariah Sinden, 22, Matthew Jorge, 20, and Briana Sinden, 18, of Charlottesville, as well as Zachary Robinson, 18, and Alexis Robinson, 13, of Orlando. Josefina greatly encouraged their education as she did not have the same opportunity growing up in Cuba, and she was exceptionally proud of all of their accomplishments. Her eldest grandson attended the College of William and Mary and is now a third year medical student at Duke University School of Medicine. Her granddaughter, Mariah Sinden, attended the University of Virginia, and is currently a psychology research lab coordinator at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her grandson, Matt, is currently a third year at the University of Virginia. Lastly, her granddaughter, Briana, is a freshman at the College of William and Mary, and her grandson, Zachary, will be attending the University of Central Florida in Orlando in the fall. The visitation was held for her family and close family friends at Teague Funeral Home on Monday, January 6th. Per her dying wishes, her body will be sent to Kissimmee, Florida so she can be buried near her husband, Benito, who died in 1990. There will be a private graveside service for her family members and close family friends at Osceola Memory Gardens in Kissimmee.

Mrs. Josefa Rodriguez Abad

September 17, 1932 - January 3, 2014