Mary Jamie Rodriguez

Mary Jamie Rodriguez, 84, of McLean, Virginia, passed peacefully from her cherished home of 50 years to her eternal resting place in Heaven on the morning of October 11th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on September 28th, 1942, in Tampa, Florida, to Roland Whitfield Jamie and Marietta Jamie (née Hartke). She was the second of three children, with an older sister, Judith, and a younger brother, David. Before marrying Hector Dionisio Rodriguez, her husband of 53 years, in 1973, and welcoming his five-year-old son, Ruben, into her life, Mary attended the University of Maryland, where she earned an Associate degree in Finance.

Before embarking on her career, Mary embraced her adventurous spirit and deep love of nature. An avid birdwatcher, she also delighted in traveling abroad, including journeys throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.

Following her travels, Mary turned her attention to a career in Accounting, working with several organizations before joining the Smithsonian Institution in 1973. There, she became a pillar of the Office of Planning, Management and Budget. In 2010, After 37 years of dedicated service, she retired as Assistant Budget Director.

In recognition of her accomplishments and service at the Smithsonian Institution, Mary received awards for her outstanding performance and steadfast dedication. Known at work as the “Rock of Gibraltar,” she was admired for her strength, determination and unwavering support of others. A trusted source of knowledge and expertise, Mary was deeply respected and cherished by her colleagues. She welcomed every question and always took the time to listen, teach and empower those around her.

Mary was a shining example of a woman who could—and did—do it all, balancing a distinguished career with the love and devotion she brought to raising her children, Kathy and Ruben. The greatest joy of her life was becoming “Grandma.” Gabriella, Ben, Jake, Josie and Jamie were the source of her most treasured happiness – she was and will always be remembered as a beacon of light and love.

Mary was beloved by her family and friends alike. She cherished her friendships and was a source of laughter, companionship, and faith to all those blessed to know her.

Mary is predeceased by her father Roland, mother Marietta, and her sister Judith Mould.

She is survived by her husband Hector Dionisio Rodriguez, daughter Katherine Rodriguez Monroe (Kenneth James Monroe II), her son Ruben Enrique Rodriguez (Kristin Eckl Rodriguez), and beloved grandchildren Gabriella Elizabeth Rodriguez, Ruben Christopher Rodriguez, Jacob Henry Rodrgiuez, Josephine Ruby Monroe, and Kenneth James Monroe III, brother David Jamie (Linda Jamie), as well as her “Bonus” family, including Virgilia Paras, Frederick Paras (Malgorzata Paras), Daniel, Martin, Veronica and Stefan Paras.

Please return at a later time for details regarding Celebration of Life Service.