A memorial service for Alma E. Rangel, the beloved wife of the distinguished Charles B. Rangel, former United States Representative and Statesman-in-Residence at The City College of New York, is set for 10 a.m., Oct. 19, 2024, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, located at 219 West 132nd Street in Manhattan. Mrs. Rangel, a long-time activist and social worker, passed away last week.
In his statement, Congressman Rangel said: “To those who had the pleasure of knowing my beautiful wife, Alma, let me take this time to thank you for sharing your condolences and sympathy for our family’s loss this week. We have been so fortunate enjoying Alma’s love, affection and support over these many, many years that we can only thank God for having her with us for so long,”. “On behalf of my children, Steven and Alicia, and my family, let me sincerely thank all of you for your words of support during this time of our loss. Your thoughts are sincerely and deeply appreciated.”
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CCNY President Vincent G. Boudreau said: “Mrs. Rangel will be fondly remembered for her strong commitment to her family and community, and as an inspiration to many. The City College extends its deepest condolences to the Rangel family.”
Mrs. Rangel was hailed by family, friends and associates as passionate, socially conscious and driven in all her endeavors. She was a woman of great vision whose long meritorious service included founder and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses, a social fundraising arm of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, which awards grants to college students around the country.
Among her other roles, she also served as President and CEO of the Ralph J. Rangel Foundation, which provides scholarships to students; and vice chair of the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens’ Board of Directors. Her hard work in the latter position resulted in the construction of the Alma Rangel Gardens, an 89-unit apartment building that provides housing and support services for low and middle-income seniors in Harlem.
During her time as a social worker and trips abroad to visit imprisoned Americans, rural villages, soup kitchens, and Peace Corps projects on many continents, she developed an interest in speaking with women’s organizations on issues that affect women in developing countries. Specifically, Mrs. Rangel became interested in the role of the Cuban economy as it relates to women and the human rights of women in Cuba after her visit to Cuba in 2002.
