

Maria J Rodriguez, age 63, was born March 11, 1963, in Laredo, Texas, and passed away May 9, 2026. She was a resident of Dallas, Texas. Maria will be remembered as a cherished and deeply loved woman whose steady courage, openhanded generosity, and kind heart shaped the lives of those around her.
Raised in East Dallas, Maria graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1982. Throughout her life, she carried herself with quiet strength and a selfless spirit—someone others could rely on, someone who gave without hesitation, and someone who made people feel cared for in both ordinary and difficult moments.
Maria shared her life with her husband, Ricardo Rodriguez Sr. She was the proud mother of Ricardo Rodriguez Jr., Raymond Rodriguez, and Raul Rodriguez, and a devoted grandmother to Delilah Ramirez, Esai Olivares, Delano Rodriguez, Pablo Garcia, Valerie Garcia, Malorery Rodriguez, Aulonie Rodriguez, Raymond Rodriguez Jr., Izaiah Rodriguez, King Rodriguez, Hope Rodriguez, Star Rodriguez, Sky Rodriguez, Raul Rodriguez Jr., Jayden Rodriguez, Alynah Rodriguez, Ricardo Rodriguez, and Alyssa Rodriguez. She is also survived by her siblings: Anna Castillo, Mary Hellen Esquviel, Raul Esquivel, Robert Esquivel, and Garcie Esquivel.
Maria Josefina Rodriguez joins in heaven her Father Raul Esquivel, Mother Bertha Vela, Sister Martha Esquivel, and Grandson Izaiah Rodriguez.
Maria found joy in simple pleasures and shared celebrations—playing bingo, dancing, and listening to tejano music, with Jay Perez as her favorite Tejano artist. She also loved watching her Dallas Cowboys. These moments reflected the warmth she brought into every room: a presence that welcomed others in and made life feel lighter.
Her care extended far beyond her immediate family. Maria was known for being loving and giving—ready to feed anyone who was hungry, or to take someone to buy clothes if there was a need. In countless ways, she became a second mother to many, offering comfort, guidance, and help with a generosity that asked for nothing in return. She also served as a provider to her young siblings, demonstrating early on the brave, steady devotion that would define her life.
Her legacy of love, strength, and generosity will continue to inspire all who had the honor of knowing her. Josie’s spirit will be deeply missed but lovingly remember by all whose lives she touched.
Visitation will be held at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 3050 N STEMMONS FWY, DALLAS, TX 75247, on May 21, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Funeral Service will be held at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 3050 N STEMMONS FWY, DALLAS, TX 75247, on May 22, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Interment will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery, 4118 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75227, on May 22, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.18.0