Theresa D. Rodriguez, born Theresa Mae Dillard on October 15, 1933, went to be with our Lord on December 1, 2024. She was a very kind and selfless person, always putting others' needs ahead of her own. Her five children and husband of 59 years were the first priority in her life and regardless of other numerous responsibilities, she was forever present for all, making sure that each felt the enormity of her love. She was wife, mother, grand- and great-grandmother, sister, cousin, in-law, aunt and friend to many, giving of herself to provide her time, talents or a helping hand wherever needed. She was both tender and sensitive but possessed a fierce, undeniable strength, which was evident even in her last days.

Once all five of her children were in school she went to work for the SAISD system, managing school cafeterias and in this role was the kind soul who made sure that no student was ever denied a meal; if any were unable to pay, she covered the cost out of her own pocket.

In addition to having this full-time job, she took classes to learn about cake-making and decorating and became a very accomplished wedding/special occasions cake designer. Her creations were both delicious and beautiful as she consistently put much painstaking time and effort into each step of the process. As in all other areas of her life, she worked diligently to ensure the perfection of the finished product, crafting each gorgeous hand-piped flower decoration by hand and making certain that her special fluffy icing was of the perfect consistency. Some of the best memories shared by her children is that of the frequent aroma of wonderful cake smell throughout the house, as well as those of cake trimmings, which were in abundance on any given weekend and available for savoring. Truly, it is no wonder that each of her children developed a sweet tooth at a very early age! She was also a very talented seamstress who, every year for Halloween, created costumes for each of her children and grandchildren. No matter the character, she always produced a top-notch product that rivaled any costume shop offering.

She is survived by her siblings Charlotte Lara and Marcello Gonzalez; sisters-in-law Mercy Dillard and Nelda Dillard; children Edmund Rodriguez, David Rodriguez, Vivian Martinez, Jesse Jr. (Susan) Rodriguez and Tommy Rodriguez; grandchildren Jesse, Victoria, Andre, Christopher, Matthew, Dylan, Nicole, Ryan, Evita, Cosmo, Ollie, Olivia, Lillian, Caroline, River; great-grandchildren Madeline, Grayson, Amelia, Mylah, Luciana, Abigail, Isobel, and Harper; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Jesse H. Rodriguez, sister Edith (Manuel) Lopez, brothers Henry (Janie) Dillard, Alan Dillard, Edgar Dillard, Johnny Gonzalez, and grandchildren Jasper Rodriguez, Brianna Rodriguez and baby Jesse Rodriguez.

Her passing from this world leaves an indescribable hole in our hearts and she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. May each of us be comforted by the countless ways she touched our lives with love, grace, and compassion. We will honor her memory by carrying forward the lessons she taught us – of unconditional love and generosity, and prioritizing those we hold dear.

Mom, you are forever in our hearts. We love you always and will carry you with us every day of our lives.

Visitation will begin on Monday, December 16th at 5:00pm with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00pm at the Angelus Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, December 17th at 10:00am at St. Paul's Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.