Mary Carmen Rodriguez

Carmen was born in Tajique, New Mexico, on August 7, 1931, to Pablo and Maria Lesperance and was raised in a devout Catholic family. From an early age, she developed a strong work ethic that guided her throughout her life. She always put God first, placed the needs of others before her own, and lived with humility, generosity, and selfless love. Her unwavering faith and servant's heart were evident in everything she did, leaving a lasting example for her family and all who knew her.

On a whim, Carmen and her girlfriends moved to California to see the world and begin a new adventure. There, she met the love of her life, Juan Rodriguez, on a blind date. What began as a chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful marriage that lasted 62 years, filled with unwavering love, deep faith, devotion, and the blessing of a wonderful family. Together, Carmen and Juan raised their two daughters, Geraldine Rodriguez and Mariana Rodriguez, with love, strong values, and a deep Catholic faith. Throughout the years, their family made homes in Colorado, California, Utah, and finally Arizona, where she spent the later years of her life.

No matter where she lived, Carmen became an active and devoted member of her parish community. She generously shared her faith through the Cursillo movement, prayer groups, OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults), the parish choir, the Prayer Shawl Ministry, monastery fundraisers, and as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, along with many other parish ministries. She joyfully served the Church wherever God called her, touching countless lives with her kindness, faith, and willingness to serve. A gracious hostess, she loved gathering family and friends and had a special gift for making everyone feel welcomed, loved, and at home.

Her greatest joy and vocation was being a stay-at-home mother, lovingly caring for her family and creating a home filled with unconditional love. Her love for children extended far beyond her own family. She cared for many children in her home, worked as a teacher's aide and recess aide, and touched the lives of countless young people with her patience, kindness, and nurturing spirit. Children were naturally drawn to her gentle heart.

Carmen had a wonderful sense of humor and a joyful spirit. She never met a stranger who eventually wanted to be her friend and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her warm smile and infectious laughter brightened every room she entered. She loved to sing, laugh, and bring joy to those around her. Her compassion, generosity, and genuine love for people left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Juan Rodriguez; her two beloved daughters, Geraldine Rodriguez and Mariana Rodriguez; her loving son-in-law, Jose Rodriguez; along with extended family, dear friends, and the countless lives she touched through her faith and service. Her legacy of love, faith, kindness, and joyful discipleship will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Carmen's honor to Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, 8502 W Pinchot Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85037 supporting its mission of prayer and service—a cause that reflected her lifelong devotion to God and His Church.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, 8502 W Pinchot Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, followed by a Rosary at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, 8502 W Pinchot Avenue, Phoenix, from 10:30 am to 11:15 am, and a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Monastery, 8502 W Pinchot Avenue, Phoenix, beginning at 11:15 am. Following the Funeral Mass, a luncheon will be held at the Monastery. All family and friends are warmly invited to join us as we gather in fellowship to celebrate Carmen's life, share cherished memories, and give thanks to God for the blessing she was to everyone who knew and loved her.

Additional funeral services and interment will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Carmen will be laid to rest. These arrangements are being handled by Gabaldon Mortuary. The date and time of these services will be announced once they have been finalized.

We also want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who cared for Mom throughout these last few years. We are especially thankful to Blessing for Seniors, their wonderful staff, and all the caregivers who gave Mom such loving, compassionate care. Your patience, kindness and dedication meant more to our family than words can express.

We are also deeply grateful to Hospice of the Valley for the exceptional care and comfort they provided during Mom's final days. They helped make her last days peaceful and comfortable, allowing us to focus on being together as a family and surrounding Mom with love.

To every person who cared for, prayed for, visited, encouraged, or simply showed kindness to our Mom over the years-thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You were truly a blessing to her and to our entire family.