Viola A. Rodriguez

Viola Rodriguez, 86, returned to her heavenly home on December 17, 2014, after a brief illness. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Viola was born to the late Will and Rosa Clark, née Samuel, in Memphis, Tennessee on September 26, 1928. The family moved to Chicago in 1938, where she attended elementary, high school and Business College. Her first job was working with her mom at a greeting card factory at the age of 16. She married the late Cruz Rodriguez on July 5, 1952, in Chicago, IL. On January 5, 1956, she began a long career at the United States Postal Service. After 33 years of faithful service, she retired on January 3, 1989.

Viola accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal savior at the age of 12 and raised her seven children with love, patience, discipline, and humility. From the beginning, she dedicated her children to God and encouraged them to explore the beauty of the gospels. She became a member of the Wheaton Christian Center, under the pastorate of the Reverend Carlton Arthurs, in 1980 where she remained a member until her death. When she was unable to leave her home, she started watching the services via the internet.

Viola was dedicated to her family, relatives, and friends. With quiet grace,she would give of her time to help a friend or babysit her grand- and great grandchildren. She loved helping and serving others. She enjoyed traveling with friends to different parts of the world, and of course special trips with her family. She also enjoyed spending time in her garden and taking care of her many houseplants. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas.|

She is preceded in death by her husband, Cruz Rodriguez, her son, Michael Rodriguez, five brothers and two sisters. She leaves to cherish her memory: Maria “Vicki” Rodriguez, Christine Rodriguez (Dan Hayes), Cruz Jr. (Harriet), Juana Rodriguez Dickerson (Ken), Juan (Diane), and Francisco “Frank” (Renee). Nine grandchildren, Andre, Trinna, Crystal, Juan Jr., Jeremy, Patrick,Dana, Nia, and Colin; twelve great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Creator.