Francisca "Francis" Vela de Rodriguez

Born on October 4, 1952, in Agualeguas, Nuevo León, Mexico, Francis later planted roots in Laredo, Texas, before arriving in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1977, where she raised her family. She was a highly skilled seamstress and spent many years at Florence Eiseman working alongside pattern makers, as well as at Allen Edmonds in quality inspection.

After retirement, Francis returned to Laredo, Texas, and Agualeguas, Nuevo León, where she lived life boldly and joyfully. She loved gardening, caring for her home, traveling with her siblings, visiting her children, and spending time with her community. She embraced life fully, always moving, giving, and finding joy in everyday moments.

Though Francis herself was raised with limited opportunities, she believed deeply that her children were capable of anything. She encouraged them to dream boldly, pursue education, work hard, take risks, and spread their wings far and wide. Her strength, humor, generosity, and unconditional love shaped the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Francis was deeply proud of her children and grandchildren, who were always her greatest joy. She loved bringing everyone together — sharing stories, feeding others, laughing, and savoring life’s simple moments. Family and friends will fondly remember many of her beloved dishes, including her pancakes, tamales, pozole, menudo, enchiladas, flour tortillas, and countless other favorites lovingly made from her kitchen.

Francis is survived by her husband, Rodolfo Rodriguez Sr.; her children, Rodolfo Rodriguez Jr. (Heather), Veronica Rodriguez-Lewis (Eric), Roberto Rodriguez (Amy), and Orlando Rodriguez (Diana Morales); and her beloved grandchildren, Rudy Rodriguez III, Vivica E Lewis, Lily Rodriguez, Mason Rodriguez, Alex Rodriguez, CeCe Lewis, and Max Rodriguez. She is also survived by her siblings, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Our family would also like to thank the incredible University Hospital – San Antonio 9th Floor ICU team for the compassionate care, dignity, and support they provided to both our mother and our family throughout her journey.

While her family will miss her deeply, they take comfort in knowing that Francis lived exactly as she wanted to — fully, courageously, generously, and always surrounded by love.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be planned for later this year.