Mary Joan Rodriguez

“Jo Ann”, as she liked to be called, was born August 11, 1937 in Tampa Florida and attended Sacred Heart Academy where she made many lifelong friends. She subsequently attended Florida State University and earned an associate degree in medical technology. There she was active in Delta Zeta Sorority, the first sorority to be founded at the University. Later, she attended The University of South Florida and received her bachelor’s degree in medical technology all while working full time and taking care of her family.

She was the supervisor of the chemistry lab at University Community Hospital (now Advent Health) and later at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center where she worked for many years. After a short retirement, she returned to work part time as a technologist at LifeLink in the medical lab.

Jo Ann continued her passion for learning throughout her life by earnestly reading many books. Medical journals were her favorite. She loved to socialize with her Sacred Heart and Delta Zeta sisters and enjoyed her evenings playing bridge with friends. She always looked after her family with love and her friends with never ending kindness mixed with humility and a unique sense of humor.

Jo Ann has now joined her beloved mother Hazel King in Heaven. Hazel was a charter member of Christ The King Church and instilled in Jo Ann a passion to pursue knowledge along with a deeper understanding of her faith. These things she did until her passing.

Jo Ann has been preceded in death by her husband, Charles Rodriguez, Sr., her mother Hazel Beraneck and brother Judge John Beraneck. She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Carol Rodriguez and Roger Cox, and by her son Charles Rodriguez, Jr.

In lieu of flowers we request donations be made to LifePath Hospice of Hillsborough County or the Alzheimer’s Association.