Join Councilwoman Carmen Castillo for the Street Dedication of “Laura Rodriguez Way.”

Laura Rodríguez, 52, of Providence, passed away December 25, 2018. Beloved daughter of Aquino and Miladys (Baez) Ramirez, and loving sister of Armando González, Francia Peguero, Julio Rodríguez, Vilma Baez and Raldy Ramírez. Laura is survived by her husband, Moreno Rodriguez, her children, Pedro Rodríguez, Carol Aguasvivas, Wendy Aguasvivas and Anna Rodríguez, and her beloved grandchildren, Edelys, Edward and Victoria.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Laura lived in New York before moving to Providence two decades ago, where she raised her family and built a remarkable legacy of community activism and social justice.

A talented organizer, Laura was deeply involved in Providence’s civic and political life, especially in the city’s South Side and Elmwood neighborhoods. Her family business and home were known as places where anyone could go in search of assistance or just a warm meal and words of encouragement. All were welcomed at any hour.

Laura was a fierce advocate for her community and was respected by all who knew her. She was a champion for the voiceless and was fond of stirring things up when the occasion called for it. She organized youth groups, led voter registration drives, was a key campaign operative to many local, municipal and state elected officials and established one of Rhode Island’s largest holiday toy and coat drives. Everyone from the local council person to the Governor knew who Laura was. It was not uncommon to have a mayor, member of Congress or another official stop by her Elmwood home to say hello and catch up on local events. She could be an elected official’s greatest ally or adversary, and they all knew this and respected her for it. She knew how to make things happen yet Laura was, first and foremost, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who raised her family with profound love and compassion.