Obituary: Carolyn B. (Zawacki) Rodriguez, 86, of Naugatuck

Official Obituary of via Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home

Carolyn B. Rodriguez

Carolyn B. (Zawacki) Rodriguez, 86, died peacefully at her home Sunday evening July 7, 2024.
She was the widow of Robinson Rodriguez.

Born in Waterbury April 8, 1938, she was the daughter of Edmund F and Mary “Stella” (Wujcik) Zawacki.

Carolyn graduated Valedictorian from both St Hedwig’s Grammar School, Class of 1952, Naugatuck, CT and Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1956, Waterbury, CT. She earned her nursing degree from St. Mary’s School of Nursing, Class of 1959, Waterbury, CT.

She worked as a registered nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital for over 40 years where she was well loved by those for whom she cared-- a fortunate lot if there ever were one. Carolyn was a loyal parishioner of St Hedwig’s church until its closing. While there she was a member of The Ladies Guild and was the ever-diligent caretaker of the church candles, a job in which she reveled.

Following in her violinist father’s footsteps, she was an accomplished musician who played both piano and clarinet. She was a proud member of Sacred Heart High School’s Marching band, led by Michael Trentalange. She loved all kinds of music and was often the first to introduce her children to new music.

Carolyn volunteered at the Ecumenical Food Bank in Naugatuck until her injury prevented her from doing so. She was also a volunteer at St Hedwig’s School as a teacher’s aide for their Kindergarten classes.

She leaves behind her three loving children: Mary E Rodriguez of New York City, Charles E Rodriguez of Naugatuck, and Raquel E Feduzi and her husband, Matthew, of Prospect. She will missed by her grandchildren, to whom she was known as “Babci,” Sophia H Feduzi and Stasha C Feduzi of Prospect and Exodus D Rodriguez of Naugatuck. Carolyn will be missed especially by her cousin, John W Mezzo, who was like a little brother to her. She also leaves behind her beloved sisters- and brothers-in law: Elsa Dorais (Bruce), Milton (Michelle) Rodriguez, Miguel (Sandra) Rodriguez, Evelyn (Andrew) Rakich, Migdalia Rodriguez, William Rodriguez, Alizandria Greene, Milsa Rodriguez, and Ernestine Rodriguez, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Carolyn’s family thanks her dedicated caretakers. They worked around the clock to provide her with the most compassionate and loving care, most especially Jane Beland, Jenny Rojas, Carolina Marini, Donna Oldfield, and Karen Lindo. They also thank Hartford Health Care Watertown Group Hospice Division for their attentiveness and kindness when caring for Carolyn who was always making certain they were doing the right thing in terms of her nursing care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday July 13, 2024 at 10 am at St Francis of Assisi Church, 318 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT. Interment will follow at St James Cemetery, 249 Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT. Visitation will be held Friday July 12, 2024, 5pm-7pm, at Naugatuck Valley Memorial/Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 North Main Street, Naugatuck, CT. To send condolences or to share a memory online, please visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a contribution/donation, in her memory, to a charity of your choice.