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The service is scheduled for Thursday.
Jesenia Valentin, who was driving, died in the crash just before 4 a.m. June 1 with her 9-year-old daughter, Angelina Rodriguez, and her 14-year-old niece, Asyria Elena Ferrer of Stratford. Her car ran out of gas on I-84 between Exits 3 and 2 in Wawayanda, N.Y., and was stuck in the right lane when it was hit by a tractor-trailer, New York State Police said.
The accident occurred as they were calling 911 for help. Three minutes into the 911 call, the operator heard a crash and a dog yelp before the phone went dead.
Jesenia Valentin, 28, was born in Bridgeport on Oct. 1, the daughter of the late Camelia Mendez. She was a dedicated mother who homeschooled her only daughter, Angelina. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. Jesenia was also an aspiring model and actress who dreamed of making it to the top.
She is survived by her siblings, Victoria and Alex; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to her mother, she was predeceased by maternal grandparents, Esperanza and Juan Mendez.
Asyria Elena Ferrer, 14, attended Flood Middle School in Stratford. She was an honor student and was often recognized as being a bright, respectful student, which made her family proud. Her goal was to become a veterinarian to help all types of animals.
Asyria was born May 7, 2002 in Orlando, Fla., the daughter of Victoria Ferrer. She is also survived by her maternal grandfather, Alfredo Ferrer; three siblings, Yulanie Ormeño, Alex Ormeño, Joseph Alarcon; and many extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by maternal grandmother Camelia Mendez.
Angelina Rodriguez was born Dec. 11, 2006, in Bridgeport, the daughter of Aristides Caban Rodriguez Jr. and the late Jesenia Valentin. She formerly attended Read Elementary School and was later homeschooled. She was graceful, lovable, unique and smart. She had a vivid imagination, told interesting stories and was an amazing artist.
Besides her father, Angelina leaves is survived by her paternal grandparents, Aristides Rodriguez and Miriam Cotto; maternal grandfather, José Valentin; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to her mother, Angelina was predeceased by her maternal grandmother Camelia Mendez.
Friends may greet the family Thursday, June 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Cathedral of Praise Church of God in Christ International, 45 Gregory St., Bridgeport. Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Pedro Vazquez, will follow from 11 a.m. to noon. Interment will follow at Park Cemetery, 620 Lindley St., Bridgeport.
For more information contact Community Funeral Chapels at 203-334-9999 of visit communityfuneralchapels.com.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by the family to help cover funeral expenses.
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