Mary Ernestine (Hernandez) Rodriguez

SANTA FE – With deep sorrow, yet with faith in God’s eternal promise, we announce the passing of Mary Ernestine Rodriguez, who was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on October 7, 1945, in Eagle Pass, Texas, to Juan and Juliana Hernandez. Mary lived a life rooted in love, service, and unwavering faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, whose greatest joy was caring for her family and sharing her faith with others. A faithful servant of God, Mary was an active and cherished member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, the Guadalupanas, and the VFW Post 6378 Auxiliary and many more community organizations that were very dear to her heart. Her kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

She was a proud graduate of San Jacinto Vocational School in Houston and dedicated 15 years of her life serving as a school nurse at Santa Fe Junior High, where she cared for countless students with warmth and dedication.

She was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Juan Gomez Hernandez and Juliana Vargas Hernandez; her brother, Juan Hernandez Jr.; her beloved children, Mark Anthony Rodriguez and Guadalupe Rodriguez. Mary leaves behind her loving husband of 57 years, Jesse O. Rodriguez; her children, Melissa Rodriguez, Michael Rodriguez (Tammi), and Joseph Rodriguez (Elizabeth); her treasured grandchildren, Noah, Matthew, Jessica Bieber, and Sofia Rodriguez; sister, Atanacia Salinas (Refugio); brother, Jesus Manuel Hernandez (Blanca); and sister-in-law, Zulema Hernandez. She is also lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and extended family, all of whom she held close to her heart.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, Texas. Funeral services will take place on Friday, May 1, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes, followed by a graveside service at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Noah Bieber, Javier Rivera, Christopher Salinas, Gilbert Lopez, Sr., Gilbert Lopez, Jr., Toby Lopez, Oscar Garcia and all of the Guadalupana family and the VFW Post 6378 auxiliary members as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Our Lady of Lourdes Guadalupanas, in honor of Mary’s enduring faith and devotion.

Mary’s life was a beautiful reflection of God’s love. Though she will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing she now rests in His eternal peace.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to UTMB Clear Lake ICU 7 and IMU 7 floors along with all the doctors, nurses and staff that have helped during this difficult time.

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