Julie (Rodriguez) Dryja of Lewiston, NY, passed away on Friday, August 26, 2016, in Niagara Hospice House, Lockport, NY. She was born in Niagara Falls, NY, on February 3, 1938, the youngest daughter of the late Sebastian and Francesca [Covelli] Rodriguez.
Mrs. Dryja graduated from Niagara Falls High School, Medaille College and received her Masters degree from Niagara University. She was employed by Olin Mathieson before entering the convent with the Sisters of St. Joseph. After 13 years of religious life, she left the order and taught at the the former St. Teresa School in Niagara Falls for several years. Mrs. Dryja ran the Lewiston Child Care Center from the late 1970’s until 1990. Then, along with her sister, they owned Gorge Travel from 1990 until retiring in 2000. Upon her retirement she wrote novels, short stories and poetry, some of which is published on Amazon. She enjoyed traveling, walking and live theatre and music.
Mrs. Dryja is survived by her husband of 46 years, John J. Dryja, one daughter Francine Dryja, and was the sister of Joseph (Rita) Rodriguez, Sebastian “Jay” (Renee) Rodriguez and Donald (Mary) Palacios, Jennifer (late Charles) Zimmerman, Anita (Fred) Manuel and Marion (Angelo) Nichele , one sister in law Donna Rodriguez, also many nieces and nephews.
She was the sister of the late Ann (late Blair) Hoplight, Lydia (late Colin) Greig, Rose (late Grant) Swartzentruber, Joan (late Richard) O’Grady, Sr. Suzanne and Susan Rodriguez, John (late Tina) Chiodo and Frank Rodriguez.
Her family will be present on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the RHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 901 Cayuga Street, LEWISTON, NY, where funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY, with Msgr. David G. LiPuma officiating.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made in her name to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.
