Rebecca Cintron

Rebecca D. Cintron earned a Doctor of Medicine, Master of Preventative Medicine and Master of Microbiology, and she was a medical director and physician — all wonderful titles in academia and medicine. But the most important titles to describe Rebecca D. Cintron are those of wife, “Nini,” friend, confidante, marathon runner, golfer, musician, archer and all-around grand master of living.

Rebecca Cintron fought a great fight but succumbed to ovarian cancer on Oct. 7 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by those who loved her. She was 69 years young. Rebecca was born in Prince George, Virginia, daughter of Sigrid Elizabeth Stearnes and Carlos Ulysses Cintron. She has one brother and two sisters. She was a proud “Nini” to Tyler and Kaylyn Igoe, grandchildren to her dear friend Karen. Rebecca was predeceased by her wife, Lena E. Holmdahl, M.D., Ph.D., in December 2011.

Rebecca graduated from Mary Washington College, Old Dominion University and Eastern Virginia Medical School with a Doctor of Medicine. She later served her residency at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she earned a Master of Science Degree in preventative medicine.

Her knowledge of medicine led her to serve as a practicing physician in internal medicine and then a long career in pharmaceuticals, where she worked diligently to improve product and patient safety. Her career ultimately brought her to Massachusetts and Genzyme Corporation, where she rose to the positions of vice president and medical surveillance and risk management leader. Upon her retirement from corporate, she became a consultant in pharmacovigilance to small, midsize and large firms. She was renowned for her expertise and commitment to the field of medicine and pharmacology.

She was generous with her time, love and commitment to others. She was a longtime volunteer at Baypath Humane Society in Hopkinton. She was an accomplished musician and golfer. She enjoyed Disney, biking and pickleball. Rebecca was a marathon runner, having finished two Boston Marathons, one New York City Marathon and a triathlon, always running in support of a cause close to her heart.

Rebecca understood the value of friendships and living life to the fullest. Her inner circle was tight but never closed. She had a place in her heart for everyone.

Rebecca personally planned all of her services and wanted it known that she was thankful to all the “angels” at Dana-Farber and Salmon Hospice for the love and compassion shared. She also was most thankful to all those friends who surrounded her and supported her with love. A special thanks to Shannon, Maggie, Erin, Pam, Larraine and Karen, who were by her side to help her in her final days as she began hospice services.

A celebration of her life was held Oct. 14 in Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel in Worcester. A funeral Mass was held Oct. 16 in Saint Mary’s Church-Our Lady of Hope in North Grafton, followed by interment in Fairview Cemetery, South Grafton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to Baypath Humane Society, 500 Legacy Farms Road North, Hopkinton, MA 01748 (baypathhumane.org) or to Salmon Hospice, 37 Birch Street, Milford, MA 01757.

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