Lucina Rodriguez de Haro was born on July 1, 1948 in Juchilipila, Zacatecas, Mexico to Wenceslao Haro and Guadalupe Huerta. She was the first of six children, three daughters and three sons. As a child, Lucina loved singing with her sisters and often sang on various local stages at community performances. She was studious, curious and bright. In May of 1966, she married Manuel Rodriguez.
Her early married days took her to the Rodriguez family ranch, where she learned the art of cheesemaking and tending to the many animals. Life on the ranch was unforgiving, and in 1971 she joined Manuel in the U.S. with the promise of a better life.
Manuel and Lucina settled in Long Beach, CA and quickly became part of the local Catholic church community. In 1988, they proudly purchased their first home in West Long Beach. They found the large avocado tree in the backyard to be a selling point. The family hosted many celebrations and family gatherings in that home and it is filled with beautiful memories.
Sadly, in 2016, her oldest son Israel “Tito” passed away unexpectedly leaving an enormous grief in her and the family’s heart. We are consoled that she is now by his side.
Although her final years were mired in illness and the last couple of years were spent in palliative and hospice care, her deep devotion and love for her family never wavered. Her children were always in her prayers ahead of her own.
Lucina was a deeply devoted and faithful Catholic. Although she could no longer physically attend mass, she would watch daily mass on television every morning. On Sundays, a member of the church would bring the holy eucharist to her bedside. She received Last Rites from a local priest shortly before taking her last breath and was at peace and prepared to receive God’s glory.
When asked how she wanted to be remembered, she said “as a loving mother” and that is how her children will remember her best. Her gentle nature, selflessness, and unmatched grace and kindness will live on forever.
Lucina is survived by her husband, Manuel Rodriguez, her sons, Jorge and Juan and her daughters, Silvia, Lorena, and Veronica. She is also survived by her precious grandchildren, Crystal, Israel, Virginia, George, Marcelle, Breanna, Emily, Agustín, Victoria, and Ivan and nine beautiful great grandchildren.
