Ana Luisa Rodriguez

Ana L. Rodriguez, also known as Abuela to everyone, fell asleep in the Lord on January 25, 2021 at the age of 95. She was born April 28, 1925 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico to Evangelista Rodriguez and Sixta Echeverría. She was the eldest of nine children and is predeceased by her siblings Angel, Isolina, Generoso, and Eduardo. She is survived by siblings Manuel, Carmen, Samuel and Gloria.

Abuela was born in a small village where her parents had owned a small humble farm that helped them eventually open a grocery store in the first floor of their house. Her father “Helo” worked diligently in the farm while her mother, “Mita” managed the grocery store. Abuela at a young age became the caregiver of her 8 younger siblings. Abuela was the eldest but the tiniest! Even making coffee or rice for the family she often needed to step on a stool or bucket to reach the top of her cardero. Abuela got married to Eladio “Yayo” Valle and had their five children in Aguadilla, PR. Abuela became a homemaker and mother, caring lovingly for her family. She loved to sew, cook for everyone and take care of her many plants and flowers in her beautiful garden.

In 1956, at the invitation of a comadre, she then immigrated to New York in search of a better life for her family. Abuela was able to find a job in a factory on 118th Street and 3rd Avenue in Manhattan as a seamstress, which she loved and took great pride in. She loved making curtains, dresses and clothes! Abuela was hardworking, extremely hospitable, lively woman that took great pride in taking care of her home, family and friends. As remembered by her 'comadre' Blanca Martinez, when Abuela had her own apartment in NYC, she would invite everyone for the holidays and cook 2 large pernils, arroz con gandules y pasteles that everyone would rave about!Everyone who knew her, knew she took great pride in looking her best and loved her perfumes. Even at the blessed age of 95 she made sure she had her eyebrows penciled in. We vividly remember those small famous red Maybeline pencils, she used for over 45 years! It was the only way she knew how to be.

Abuela originally lived in NYC, however when her daughter Eve married Jerry Myers, they bought a house in Queens and they soon after invited Abuela to live with them. Jerry soon became just like an adopted son, side by side with Eve for 48 years, they both took care of her. Abuela's hobby for retirement was gardening. She would proudly tend to her beautiful rose bushes and so many times wrap a bunch in paper towels and foil (because of the thorns) and give to neighbors passing by.

Abuela always said she’d reach 100, but despite not reaching 100, she was on her feet till the very end. Even after one of her surgeries our neighbor Meena was shocked when she saw her on her feet the day after! Abuela was strong and greeted everyone with a warm smile. Despite her illness she was a fighter until the end.

Abuela leaves behind 4 siblings, 5 children, Ana Hilda, Luisa Ivelisse, Eladio Jr., Wilfredo, Manuel, 12 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.

What a legacy, what a life. We invite each of you to keep the memory of Abuela alive in your hearts, when you smell a sweet perfume or see a beautiful rose. We were each touched by her hospitality. We thank you all for being here whether in person or virtually and making Abuela's life so meaningful.