Amelia Rodriguez Pantoja

With profound sorrow and overflowing love, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Mother, Amelia Rodriquez Pantoja, who departed this world at age 86. She was born on November 20,1939, in Camuy, Puerto Rico. Amelia's remarkable journey concluded in April 2026, leaving behind a legacy woven with her undying faith, selfless love and an enduring devotion to her cherished family.

Amelia, the youngest of ten children, was raised in a large, loving and affectionate family. As she grew, she developed a spirit brimming with strength, warmth and an unshakeable resilience that would define her life.

At the age of 19, she decided to leave Puerto Rico to help her sister who lived in Brooklyn, New York which changed her life. It was there in Brooklyn where she met her future husband, Gilberto, who at the time was an owner of a small candy and ice cream store.Their meeting turned into a marriage of 65 years and an unbreakable bond.

Amelia was, without question, the heart of her family. Her love for her family and all people knew no boundaries. She gave endlessly, creating an atmosphere of warmth and welcome wherever she went. She could talk to anyone at any time and people loved that about her. All who were fortunate to know her kindness and her quiet strength, even when things were difficult, were touched by her ability to continue on with a positive attitude no matter the circumstances. Her marriage to Gilberto was a testament to the love that she gave to her entire family at all times. Together, they created a life rich in joy and filled with irreplaceable memories and family love. This is something anyone would be proud of.

The timing of her passing, just under one year after Gilberto's, offers a tender comfort, knowing that she is having a reunion with her beloved husband and daughter. A proud and loving mother, Amelia had three children. Gilbert Jr. Pantoja, Evelyn Knuckles, and her beloved daughter, Jacqueline Pendleton, who tragically preceded her in death at the age of 31 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Despite the profound grief for her daughter's passing, Amelia's capacity to love remained, and she was able to find immense joy and renewed purpose in her 6 grandchildren. They were her greatest delight, and she poured her heart into every moment spent with them. She cherished each milestone and shared experience with all of them. One of her favorite past times was talking to them on the phone just to catch up. She tried to be present at school events, graduations and celebrations which helped her heart to heal over time. She was a true testament to the way all Grandmas should be with the unwavering support and pride she felt for her grandchildren's accomplishments. Being present for her family was above all else, her life's most significant calling.

Amelia possessed a unique ability to find joy in the simple things like cooking for anyone that visited, ironing or washing clothes for friends and family. She absolutely loved people and entertaining. Her home was always filled with music, food and conversations. She also loved dancing and you could find her singing all the time while she was folding clothes or cooking.

Her faith was the unwavering compass of her life that provided her with the comfort she needed during hard times. It always guided her through every triumph and tribulation.

Beyond her love for home, Amelia also loved to travel, especially during her younger years, transforming ordinary trips into treasured memories with family. If you knew her, she would always be up for a visit to any casino to play a few slot machines for countless hours. Whether in Las Vegas or a local casino, you could count on having the best time with her there.

Her work ethic was one to be proud of. For three decades, she was a dedicated Production Line attendant at Best Foods, often working the graveyard shift. This sacrifice allowed her to be fully present for her children during the day, taking them to school, cooking their meals, and ensuring their well-being. Her job also allowed her to grow, gaining confidence in her English language skills and forging lifelong friendships that she treasured.

More than anything, Amelia will be remembered for her immense heart, her quiet sacrifices, her strength and unconditional love she shared so openly. She leaves behind an indelible legacy of faith, family devotion, lots of sass and a special love that will forever stay in our hearts for all who were blessed to know her.

A Celebration of Life for Amelia's beautiful journey will be held on May 30 at 2:00pm at:

At The Cross Christian Fellowship Church

27713 Jefferson Ave. # 105

Temecula, CA 92590

Though our hearts ache with her absence, we find solace in the certainty that she is now reunited with her beloved Gilberto,and daughter, Jacqueline.