Catalina “Katey” Rodriguez, 92, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on June 18, 2020. She joins her parents, Leonardo and Andrea Alvarado Vasquez, her loving husband of 51 years, Juan S. Rodriguez, beloved son Benjamin Rodriguez, son-in-law Carlos Tijerina, and grandchildren Rebecca and John Luke Rodriguez. Also giving her a heavenly welcome are sisters Teresa, Santos and Mary Vasquez, Felipa Rizk, and brothers, Tito and Jimmy Vasquez. Survivors left to cherish her memory include a daughter, Mary Sylvia Tijerina, sons, John Rodriguez & Nancy, Leroy Rodriguez & Glenna, Albert Rodriguez & Ramona, daughter-in-law Christina Rodriguez and the last of her siblings, Rosa Acosta. Grandchildren who will miss their Meemaw/Momo are Claudia Tijerina, Collin (Gretchen) Bond, Sarah Rodriguez, Ethan and Avery Rodriguez, and Madison Mendez as well as great-grandchildren Caleb, Keaton and Kalee Bond, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Born in rural Caldwell County, her Depression-era upbringing was shaped by punishing labor in the migrant fields, instilling in her a strong work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility. She had many happy childhood memories of growing up with her sisters but vividly recalled hardships from which she strived to spare her own family. In later years, she worked in a number of food service outlets in San Marcos. Her cooking skills and fierce devotion to family went hand in hand. She expressed her love by feeding her family and friends, whether hungry or not, and her delight was having all her children and their families gathered in her home for a meal. In addition to her devotion to her family, she loved the Lord and her church. Her faith drove her determination to ensure each of her children were introduced to Christ and the Kingdom. Thanks to her guidance, we are able to say today, “Though we grieve it is not as those with no hope” (1 Thessalonians, 4:13).
As her failing health increasingly kept her from attending services on a regular basis, she found great comfort in reading the Bible and studying scripture at home with family and friends. She was blessed to have a number of friends who called and visited her, bringing comfort and joy, especially during her shut-in years. The family wishes to thank those persons for their friendship and support.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, a private family service will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2020, with burial to follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Catalina’s name to Primera Iglesia Bautista, 501 Guadalupe St., San Marcos, TX 78666 or Meals on Wheels, c/o San Marcos Housing Authority, 1201 Thorpe Lane, San Marcos, TX 78666.
