Sonia was born October 10, 1936 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and was the daughter to the late Miguel Rodriguez and Michelle Rodriguez Cortez. She married Santos Gutierrez in 1971.It was the second marriage for each of them. The couple loved each other very much and were inseparable until the very end.
Sonia earned a degree in cosmetology in 1975 from New England School of Hairdressing. She went back to school as an adult learner and earned a bachelor’s degree in social work in 1987 from Central Connecticut State University.
Sonia was employed as a social worker for DCF. When she retired at age 65, she had been employed as Shelter Director for the Salvation Army in New Britain.
In addition to her husband Santos, she is also survived and will be missed by her three sons, Dr. Nelson Rivera of Hartford, Nicanor Rivera Jr. of Chicago, her late son, Julio Cesar Rivera of New Britain, her daughter in law, Dr. Migdalia Rivera-Arzola of Hartford and granddaughter, Julia Sol Rivera of Hartford. She will also be missed by her step children, Gilberto Rivera, of Gastonia, North Carolina, Anita Mercado of Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Mayra Maldonado of Tampa, Florida, Maribel Gutierrez of Clearwater, Florida, Angel Gutierrez of Vineland, New Jersey, Diana Ramos of Vineland, New Jersey and Eddie Gutierrez of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Family and friends are invited Monday, April 24, 2017, from 6-9 pm for a time of visitation that will conclude with a prayer service, at New Britain Memorial Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Ave., New Britain. We thank you for your messages of support.
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