June 2, 1940 –June 24,2025
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Vita, Emilia C. Rodriguez, who departed this life at the age of 85 after a brave and unwavering battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones when God called her home.
Born on June 2, 1940, in Parral, Chih., Mexico, Emilia was a loving and proud mother, grandmother (Vita), friend, and a woman of faith and enduring grace. She spent most of her life working in the garment industry at Levi Strauss and Co., Lee Manufacturing, Excel Manufacturing and International, where her hard work, dedication and pride for the work she did, provided for her daughters and set an example of strength, resilience and perseverance.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Maria de Jesus Gandaria Morales, father, Abel Cardenas; siblings, Francisca Cardenas, Regulo Cardenas, Otilia Cardenas, and Tonia Cardenas.
Lovingly known as mom by her daughters, Vita by her granddaughters, and Emy by her friends. Emilia was the heart of her family. Her high energy, kindness and compassion touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She always offered a listening ear, a word or two, or three, or four of advice, or a lesson on how something could or should be done. She loved watching game shows, Murder She Wrote, Mattlock and Perry Mason on TV, “going to have fun” (playing penny machines at the casino), watching funny animal videos and seeing pictures of chickens. She especially enjoyed teaching her daughters and granddaughters how to sew, make floral arrangements, and how to bake and cook.
As a mother and grandmother, Vita was a source of strength, love, guidance, and unwavering support. Her daughters and granddaughters were her pride and joy, and her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, and the memories shared with those who loved her most.
She is survived by her daughters, Angelica Rodriguez, Rebecca Lowry (Mark), Ruth Loretta Rodriguez; grandchildren, Jessica Morales, Cate Lowry, Cameron Lowry; siblings, Fransisca (Kika) Gandarilla, Socorro Rodriguez, all of whom will carry her spirit forward with love and gratitude.
Visitation will be Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with a rosary at 10:30 a.m. and a scripture service to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Martin Central, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903. Burial will be Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park, 4848 Alps, El Paso, TX 79904.
Vita will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
The family would like to thank the staff at Texas Oncology, Dr. Maria Aloba, Dr. Francis Okeke, the hospital staff at Providence East Campus Oncology Unit and Grace Pointe Wellness for the care and compassion they had for our beloved Vita.
