Nellie Vega

Nellie Vega, 88, passed away at Archcare at Ferncliff nursing home on November 5, 2019.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico on May 26, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Fausto Diaz and Carmen Boneet. At the young age of 15, Nellie was recruited by the United Nations to participate in the League of Nations Project. She continued her education at NYU and later returned to Puerto Rico to teach English as a Second Language. She returned to NY and dedicated her life to advocating for others as a social worker, community organizer, ombudsman, and later as a spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association.  

Nellie was an independent, proud, strong, stylish, honest, high-spirited, dynamic woman, who was ahead of her time. She was an avid reader and great domino player who enjoyed going to Broadway Shows, fine restaurants, shopping, watching game shows and The Mets.

Nellie is survived by her daughters Wilma Annette Rodriguez-Soriano, and Wenda-Arlene Rodriguez Rivera, her grandchildren, Eric, Aaron, Taina and Vianca, and one great grand-daughter Janna.

The family requested a private memorial.

Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.  

Arrangements are under the direction of the Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home, Rhinebeck. 

Memorial donations in honor of Nellie can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or www.alz.org. 

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