Carmen E. Rodriguez

RODRIGUEZ, CARMEN E. (Mrs. Jack L.), 88, of Tampa passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 2, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack L. Rodriguez, her parents, Nicolas (Nick) Alvarez Rodriguez and Eugenia Mickler Rodriguez, and her brother Frank N. Rodriguez. She is survived by her loving and devoted son and daughter in law, Jack N. Rodriguez and his wife Judith J. Rodriguez, her only grandchild who she adored, Jack A. Rodriguez and his wife Donna W. Rodriguez, her two great grandsons, Jack R. Rodriguez and Nicholas J. Rodriguez and many nieces and nephews, and extended relatives and friends.

Carmen was born in Tampa. She attended local schools and graduated from H. B. Plant High School and later graduated from Dawson School of Business. After graduating, she worked in her father’s Franklin Men’s Wear store. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Jack and married. He was a partner in the Great Southern Cigar Company where they worked together during WW II. The company packaged and distributed Pancho Garcia cigars. After the war, in 1948, Jack and Carmen went into the real estate and insurance business locating their office in South Tampa on South Dale Mabry. They were very successful buying, selling and developing real estate for 20 years.

Due to Jack’s untimely illness, Carmen went to work for Hillsborough County. After 21 years of dedicated service, she retired as an administrative assistant to a county department director.

She was always involved with her garden circle serving as President of the Calliandra Garden Circle and later would be twice elected President of the Tampa Federation of Garden Club Circles. She entered flower competitions at flower shows and earned many blue ribbons. She was also a lifetime member of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs. She was a long time member of the Tampa Women’s Club where she served on many committees. She enjoyed and served in several positions on the Board of Directors at the condominium where she lived. She was a strong and determined person and always accomplished what she wanted to do. Carmen loved her family and friends and was always there for them.

She was an original Buccaneer season ticket holder and loved the Buccaneers. She went to all the home games and traveled to many away games. In 2003, she went with the Bucs to the Super Bowl in San Diego. It was the highlight of being a true Bucs fan and she enjoyed every moment.

She traveled extensively within the continental United States and Canada, Hawaii, and Alaska. She also visited over 35 countries abroad including China, Australia, Russia, Japan, Greece, Egypt, and Israel to name a few.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Grand Court for their attentive and loving care and appreciates the Hospice Garnet Team for their compassionate attention and care.

There will be a visitation on August 7, 2014, from 1pm to 3pm followed by a Memorial Service at Blount Curry Funeral Home located at 605 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33609.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carmen’s memory to the Tampa Federation of Garden Club Circles, 2629 Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, Fl. 33629 or Hospice of Hillsborough, Inc., 3010 W. Azeele Street, Tampa, Fl. 33609

Blount & Curry Funeral Home