Kendra L. Rijos-Figueroa's Obituary
Kendra L. Rijos Figueroa, 58, passed away December 5, 2023. She was born November 17, 1965, in San Juan, Puerto Rico to the late Roberto M. Rijos and Iris Minerva Figueroa. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her son Kilbert ‘Flaco’ Medina Rijos and was a widow to late husband Gilberto Medina Torres.
Kendra came to Tampa in 1994 from Puerto Rico. She was a truly loving, caring, and genuinely unapologetic person. Kendra was a dedicated Catholic and Lukumi priestess. She enjoyed shopping, drama TV series, hallmark Christmas movies, and loved spending time with her family.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Kendra S. Medina, Lydia T. Gigante, both of Tampa; sister Aixa Rijos, and brother, Roberto Rijos and his wife Leida of Yonkers, New York; Aunt, Miriam Figueroa of Puerto Rico; Nieces & Nephews, Enixa Franceschi, Alicia, Nico, Hailey, Anabella and Natalia; grandchildren, Vincent Lubrano, and Mia M. Medina; and former brother-in-law, Carlos Franceschi. Other family members that came along to cherish her Canela, Jose, Juana, Karuca, Nito, Manny Santiago, Josh Durkin, Monica Davila and her kids.
Fill not your heart with pain and sorrow,
But remember me in every tomorrow…
Remember the joy, the laughter,
the smiles,
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.
Although my leaving
causes pain and grief
My going has eased my hurt
And given me relief.
So dry your eyes and remember me,
Not as I am now, but as I used to be.
Because I will remember you all
And look on with a smile.
Understand in your hearts
I’ve only gone to rest a little while.
What’s your fondest memory of Kendra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kendra?
Share a story where Kendra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kendra you’ll never forget.
How did Kendra make you smile?
