Rebecca D. Cintron, MD

Rebecca D. Cintron earned a Doctor of Medicine, Master of Preventative Medicine, Master of Microbiology, 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 Saturday morning, October 7, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by those who loved her. She was sixty-nine 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., PhD, 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 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, mid, and large size 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 long-time volunteer at Bay Path Humane Society.  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 was 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 was also most thankful to all those friends that 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 will be on Saturday, October 14 in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, starting with a gathering of friends at 10 a.m., followed by a Celebration Service at 11 a.m. 

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 16, at 11 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Church-Our Lady of Hope, 17 Waterville Street, North Grafton.  (Please gather directly at the church on Monday).  Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, South Grafton.

Both the Celebration of Life on Saturday and the Mass on Monday will be "live streamed".  This can be accessed by visiting the funeral home website and selecting "live services".  The streaming will begin five minutes before the start of the services.

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

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