Catalina Rodriguez

Our beloved mother and matriarch of our family, Catalina Rodriguez, went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2023, at the age of 91.  Catalina was born on August 31, 1932 in Cayey, PR, and migrated to Philadelphia during the Puerto Rican diaspora to raise her children. 

She devoted her life to God and her family.  Her heroic battle against cancer showed her resilience, as she defeated it, among many hospital scares. Her faith, values, and traditions kept our family together, which was the most important thing to her.  A memory all of her children and grandchildren hold dear is being able to go over her house every week to eat—"Comieron bien?"—she would say. We would laugh, play games, and just feel her warmth.  Her presence embodied every element, from the mountains of food she provided for her children and children's children, to the rivers of cafe con leche, tight hugs, and stern discipline. She was truly our rock. The fire in her voice when she spoke of something she was passionate about, especially when talking about her many stories/novelas, and the whispers of "I love you" in our ear is something we hold dear.  She was compassionate to all who crossed her path, and looked for opportunities to be a blessing. 

Catalina not only raised her 10 children and several grandchildren alone, but also took care of her Mama Olivia, and sister, Virginia until their last days.  She loved to laugh, and seeing family together gave her so much joy.  Catalina was a devout Catholic, a pillar in her community, who served at St. Bonaventure for many years, and was beloved by all who knew her.  She will join her husband, Pedro, beyond the veil, along with her mother Olivia, her brother Justino, and sisters Modesta and Virginia. 

Catalina is survived by her sisters Maria and Mary as well as her adored children: Iris, Elba, Eli, Aida, Ana, Vilma, Laura, Jimmy, Jose (Jolie), and Jose (Popito).  She leaves behind a legacy of faith and hard work, along with a beautiful lineage of 29 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, 20 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended relatives, and friends who loved her dearly.

Our family is left with a void, but we hold on to the faith she passed down, and the peace of knowing the truth of the scriptures- "To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8

"Ya esta hecho el cafe?"

~Rodriguez Family

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