Obituary of Rocio Medina

Rocio Medina, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the age of 80 from complications of COVID-19 at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Manhattan. Beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, her passions in life were her family, gardening, traveling, and a beach without waves. Rocio is survived by her sons Jaime Rojo, Luis "Lou" Rojo and wife Karen, grandchildren Louis Rojo and wife Tracey, Jake Rojo, Dylan Rojo, great grandchildren Gavin and Gemma Rojo, and many nieces and nephews. Rocio was born in Itagüí, Colombia, and was predeceased by her parents Marta Montoya de Medina and Pedro Nolasco Medina, and her daughter, Marta. She immigrated from Colombia, "my country," with her two sons in 1971, and was a longtime resident of Woodside, New York. As an orphan, and throughout her life, she overcame many challenges to live the "American dream" in her adopted country, and she succeeded beyond her expectations. She was very grateful for all the opportunities the United State of America gave her and her children. Although she herself was unable to complete school, she was always studying English. A firm believer in the importance of education, she encouraged and supported her families educational goals, and was also a benefactor of various children's causes in Colombia and St. Jude Children's Hospital. Rocio also had a soft spot for animals, and was known for feeding birds and stray felines. Rocio was a strong woman who worked very hard to provide a better life for her family, and she loved her independence. She was a firm believer that everyone who gives should receive. She best expressed this by the Spanish proverb, "Para dar la mano las dos personas tienen que extender el brazo," that translates to "there is no shaking of hands if both people are not stretching out their arms." Those who loved her were blessed with an abundance of love, often reflected in countless suggestions, recommendations, and adages that applied to all aspects of life. She marked the life of many and left a legacy of love, pride of heritage, and perseverance. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, and a funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at St. Sebastians RCC at 10:45am. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Friends wishing to honor Rocio are invited to make a donation in her name to to Children International benefiting the three girls, Meibis, Angebrith and Wanda, in Colombia who she previously sponsored: https://www.children.org/make-a-difference/donate Rocio was known for always saying her goodbye's to her loved ones with an invocation: "May the Virgin Mary go with you and God bless you." We have no doubt these would have been her last words to us. We move forward in life knowing that her blessings will forever remain with us. "Que la Virgen me la acompañe..."