Lelia Rodgers

Lelia B. Rodgers passed away on March 16, 2025 at the age of 92. She was born on March 11, 1933, in Cartagena, Colombia, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength for all who knew her.

Lelia, nicknamed ‘Nena’ when she was little by her Grandmother, was a beloved friend, mother and church member. She lived a long, full, and enriching life, always supporting her family and finding joy in the moments she shared with loved ones. Lelia loved being with her family and making them happy. She enjoyed cooking, dancing, hiding behind doors to scare people and telling jokes that had an unexpected spin.

Lelia obtained a commercial secretariat degree in 1954 from an accredited academy in her native Cartagena. She went on to work for the Colombian Navy for 14 years in a local command post before migrating to the United States in 1968. Her greatest accomplishment was building a better life with her husband and her children here in the United States.

Lelia was also an avid walker and could often be seen walking through town doing her errands. A lover of shopping, she had a special fondness for exploring new shopping places. Her favorite trips were going back to visit Colombia. Lelia’s travels were not just about the destination but about the memories she made along the way with her family and friends by her side.

Lelia was preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Renulfo, in December 2002. Ulfo gave her the sweet nickname of Seneca and soon the whole family adopted and shortened it to Sene. She is survived by three children, Fredy Rodgers (Lisa), Elizabeth Rodgers, Amalia Rodgers-Soto(Ramon); four grandchildren, Melissa Peterson (Anthony), William Tapia, Andrea Ashbock (Jeff), Christopher Soto; and two great grandchildren, Sofia Noelle and Roscoe Joseph. The family would like to deeply thank the nurses, doctors and aides at Villa Marie Claire Hospice for the outstanding care, compassion and dignity given to Lelia through her last months. The family would also like to give special recognition to the non-medical staff at Villa Marie Claire who were a constant help and comfort to the whole family up until the end. Their kindness and genuine love of their work helped our family during the hardest times.

Visitation will be on Friday, March 21st from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Riewert Memorial Home, 187 S Washington Ave, Bergenfield, New Jersey 07621

Viewing and Burial will be held on Saturday, March 22nd at 9:00 AM at Riewert Memorial Home, 187 S Washington Ave, Bergenfield, New Jersey 07621 and St. Raymonds Cemetery, respectively.

If desired, donations can be sent to Villa Marie Claire, 12 W Saddle River Rd, Saddle River, New Jersey 07458.

Condolences may be sent directly to Riewert Memorial Home, 187 S Washington Ave, Bergenfield, New Jersey 07621, or through www.riewertsmemorialhome.com.

She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Lelia’s legacy of kindness and fierce love of her family and friends will live on in the hearts of her family, friendsand all who crossed her path. May Lelia rest in peace, with God’s mercy and love, and may her light shine in our hearts forever.