Hilda G. Rodriguez

HILDA G. RODRIGUEZ Hilda G. Rodriguez, 77, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, December 4, 2012, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Rodriguez was born in Hebbronville, Texas, but resided in Laredo most of her life. She attended Hebbronville schools and Laredo Junior College. She was a dedicated and caring wife, mother and grandmother, and enjoyed spending time with her family at home and at their ranch until she became too ill to do so. Mrs. Rodriguez believed in family first. She cherished her role as a wife and mother and always supported her children and grandchildren in every endeavor they pursued. As a civic-minded individual, she was active in bringing to Laredo the Special Olympics, the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with disabilities, and provided assistance to children with special needs to attend competitions in Austin, Baton Rouge, and other cities. During these trips, she met Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the organizer of International Special Olympics, who encouraged her to continue this worthy endeavor. She was especially proud to have received recognition and a special honor award in Austin from Governor Ann Richards for her work in Special Olympics. She also participated in the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. She was also a member of the Parent Advisory Committee at Laredo State Center, now known as Border Region MHMR, and served with great pride and dedication. As a member of the Texas Cattlewomen Association, she participated in fund raising events for charitable causes. She also was a former member of the Blessed Sacrament Altar Society, and St. Patrick’s Church. A source of joy and happiness for her was socializing with her friends and “comadres” of her Birthday and Supper Clubs. They each held a warm and special place in her heart. Mrs. Rodriguez loved to travel, and with her husband, took numerous trips to Europe, Canada, Brazil, and other countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean, bringing back beautiful souvenirs for relatives and friends. But her greatest love was found in the charm of Spain. She and her husband contributed to all worthy charitable causes, including St. Jude’s Hospital, Diabetes Foundation, American Heart Association, Disabled Veterans, and many others. As a friend, she was always there when you needed her and was available to provide help and advice when asked. She was kind, caring, and thoughtful. The family finds great comfort in knowing her life was so blessed and that theirs was enriched by her presence. They also find peace in knowing that she is once again reunited with the love of her life. Mrs. Rodriguez will be greatly missed by all who loved her and knew her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Manuel J. Rodriguez, Jr.; granddaughter, Carolina Bernadette Zertuche; her father, Benito Garza and her brother, Benito Garza, Jr. Mrs. Rodriguez is survived by her children, Lizette Bernadette Rodriguez, Lulu (Marcos) Zertuche and Manuel J. (Norma) Rodriguez III; three grandchildren, Marcos Manuel Zertuche III, Isabella Anna Zertuche and Manuel J. Rodriguez, IV. Also, by her mother, Carmen G. Garza; sisters, Anita (Ramiro +) Molina, Lydia (Hector) Garza and Ciria (Baldemar) Garza; sister-in-law, Felicia Garza. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A vigil will be held on Monday, December 10, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hillside Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m. A funeral service will follow from Hillside Funeral Home to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with Msgr. James Harris officiating. Interment will follow immediately in the family plot at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Marcos Manuel Zertuche III, David Benavides II, Jaime Garza, Ricardo Garza, Ivar Garza and Carlos Rodriguez. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Manuel J. Rodriguez IV, Isabella Anna Zertuche, Ramiro Javier Molina, Benito Garza III, David Barrera, Mine Ramirez, Rosa Martinez, Adelina Guzman, Aurorita Cruz, Alicia Vaughn, Beatriz Azios, Raquel Alvarez, Jeanette McKewon, and Lorraine Laurel. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful neighbors, Aurorita Cruz and Alicia Vaughn, who kept a watchful eye over her at all times. Also, special thanks go to her sisters-in-law Betty Rodriguez, Norma Vazquez, Gloria Barrera and Gloria R. Rodriguez, who called her regularly and kept her spirits high. The family is also grateful to Irma and Lupita, her most caring and loyal caregivers who affectionately developed a close bond with her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Special Olympics of Texas, or to the charity of your choice. If you would like to sign the guestbook or send private condolences, you may do so at www.hillsidefuneral.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hillside Funeral Home, 310 Hillside Road.