Rafaela Rodriguez

Rafaela “Fili” Rodriguez, born November 13, 1936, died peacefully in San Bernardino, CA on August 23, 2016 surrounded by loved ones.

Fili was one of eight siblings, a devoted mother of seven, and an enthusiastic grandmother to sixteen and great-grandmother to eight.

Fili spent most of her life living in her San Bernardino home filled with love, laughter and chaos. Her home was the focal point to many family gatherings, especially the holidays. During the Christmas holiday her home could be found overwhelmed with the smell of freshly baked goods and the sight of Santa Claus decorations around every corner. When she wasn’t baking or cooking for an army Fili could be found in her sewing room working on various projects. Her home was open to all and home to many.

Fili, known to her grandchildren as Nei, is survived by her brothers Francisco Ruiz, Eddie Ruiz, Armando Saldate Jr. (Katie), Andy Saldate (Toni), Fred Saldate and her sister Judy Davis, as well as, her children Gabriel Rodriguez, Thomas Rodriguez (Melanie), Mary Corley (Daniel Mishodek), Michele Waterlow and David Rodriguez (Rikki). She was preceded in death by her brother Charlie Saldate and her son and daughter Ralph and Becky Rodriguez. Also surviving Fili are her grandchildren Robert, Anthony, Joseph, Gabriel, Manuel, Thomas, Dominique, Joseph, Sean, Alysia (Emmanuel Duron), Hayden, Jay, Krystyn (Eric Guillen) and Karina. Great-grandchildren Deeana, Kallie, Elias, Bradley, Eligh, Sadie, Elijah, Jaida, a multitude of nieces and nephews and her long term tenant Val.

Viewing will be held in San Bernardino, Tue. Aug. 30 at Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery from 4:30-8:30 pm with rosary at 6:00 pm. Mass will be held Wed. Aug. 31 at Our Lady of The Rosary Cathedral at 11:00 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery, San Bernardino, CA.