Estella lived a long and full life. Having been born January 19,1931 near Karnes City, TX, she was the oldest daughter of Juan and Maria R. Garcia. Her family came to reside in Corpus Christi, TX. She completed 8th grade and attended Corpus Christi High School for a short time. Estella proceeded to work in retail at an early age. She wed Icidoro "Lolo" R. Rodriguez on November 22, 1957. The marriage lasted many years and produced five children. Estella had many occupations leading up to her retirement from Embassy Suites Hotels in 1993. Estella has been a member of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help since 1972. In her retired years she enjoyed the company of her family, especially her grandsons. She loved elephants, small children, short road trips, car picnics and feeding the birds by the bay. She loved tending her garden and country music. She spent her whole life helping and feeding all those she loved. Her generous heart led many to adopt her as a second mother or grandmother. Estella was content in her last years watching classic TV reruns and spoiling her pets.
She left all of us way too soon but her rest is well deserved. Mom, Grandma, Nana, "Old Lady". We miss you and love you. We look forward to when we will feel your soul again.
Estella is preceded in death by her parents, sister, and son in law. She is survived by her son, Santiago "Jim" (Ruby) Rodriguez; daughters, Anna Marie Cuevas, Martha (Rolando d.) Rios, Esther Rodriquez and Elva (Jerald d.) James, all of Corpus Christi TX; brother, David (Pat) Garcia; sister, Herminia "Minnie" Canales, all of Pensacola, FL; brother, Guadalupe (Rosemary) Garcia; and sister Lydia Garcia, all of San Antonio, TX. She was blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.
Pallbearers: Joshua D. Rodriguez, Christopher A. Rios, Jared W. James, Austin M. James, Robert Mora, and Matthew Mora. Honorary pallbearers: Joel C. Resendez, Abie Arrisola, and Rick Salcido.
A visitation for Estella will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 5:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A rosary will occur Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 7:00 PM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 10:00 AM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415. An interment will occur Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 11:00 AM, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemoryGardensFuneralHome.com for the Rodriguez family.