Celebrating the Life of Angela Rodriguez

11 days. It took 11 days for Covid19 to take our mom away from us.

It all started out with the flu-like symptoms, the way you see and hear on any media outlet. She checked herself into the ER and they told her it was severe pneumonia then they tested her for Covid after discharging her from the hospital. She was told to self-quarantine. After just 2 days home, she couldn't carry the pain. She became short of breath and couldn't breath on her own. She was then transported to Bayonne Hospital. Within 3 days, she was intubated. She could no longer breath on her own. We all broke down. We couldn't believe what was going on. All we wanted to do was leave Ohio and drive down to see her. But we couldn't. No one could. Absolutely no visitors.

Every day we prayed, we prayed in group conference calls and we prayed individually that she would overcome this. If you ever knew my mom, she was a hell of a fighter. She could literally do anything she wanted to. She was the free spirited one in the family and she had the wings to fly anywhere. Time moved slow, she was intubated for 5 long days. They weaned her off the ventilator and placed her on a step down unit. She did well on the bi-pap machine and we all felt so hopeful. 

Carmen had dreams of her waking up and being strong on Easter Sunday, which she did. We got to talk to her on Easter but couldn't hear her speak. She was weak and exhausted. On Monday afternoon, we made our routine call to the hospital to check up on her and her nurse said she looked defeated and very weak. Something about that didn't feel good. Within the next hour they called and gave us the news that her heart gave out and they did everything they could to save her. The news no one thought would ever come. 

At that moment, we knew nothing would ever be the same.

At this time, the state of New Jersey is not allowing any other services besides direct burial or direct cremation. The state is so overwhelmed with the number of deaths that there is currently a 4-6 week waiting period to have any service done. 

After much discussion, we have decided to have her transported to Ohio, where we can have a proper wake and service for her. We want to say goodbye the right way. The way any person should.

With all the Covid issues, the funeral home here is going to be taking necessary precautions for everyone's safety. 

Any help you can give us is greatly appreciated.