Mary Ann Rodriguez

It is with deep love and sorrow that we share the passing of Mary Ann Rodriguez, on July 20, 2024, at the age of 85. Mary Ann “Annie” Rodriguez passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side in Colton, California.

Annie was born in Colton, CA on January 19, 1939, to Carolina and Jose Acevedo. She graduated from Colton High School in 1956, with her Bachelor of Arts in 1978 from the University of La Verne and her Masters from Cal State San Bernardino in 1981.

Annie married Gregorio “Goyo” S. Rodriguez in June of 1956. Together they raised their five children in their lifelong Colton home. Annie and Goyo traveled to every corner of the world, visiting six continents and countless countries. Over the 63 years they were married, they could be found at a local or Las Vegas casino, dressed up for the “baile,” playing in their bowling league, or at the movie theater. Annie spent nearly fifty years playing bunco every month and having luncheons with friends. When Annie wasn’t raising a family or traveling the world, Annie was a dedicated elementary teacher at Casey Elementary in Rialto. She loved to challenge her students to improve their writing with personal stories or writing to pen pals. She also loved participating in PE with her students.

Annie was energetic and funny. She was always looking for ways to stay active, and always willing to help family, even if that meant moving boxes up three flights of stairs. And if you were around Annie, you could hear the joy all around her, as she never shied away from a good joke. She was also creative, drawing or doodling on a piece of paper. Holiday cards and letters often had a small hand drawn image included, showing her excitement and love for those dear to her.

Annie will be remembered as our beloved matriarch, lifelong educator, and LA sports fan, especially her Lakers and Dodgers. An incomparable mom, grandma, GiGi, sister, and friend. Annie is now reunited with the love of her life Goyo, her daughter Naomi Warder, her grandson Gregory Florick, Jr., her sisters Gloria Murillo and Caroline Herrera, and her brothers J. Robert, Richard, Ruben, Arthur, and Joe Acevedo. Her memory will live on in her children Gregg Rodriguez (Bonnie), Rhonda Florick (Greg), Bonnie Cruz (Art), Gary Rodriguez (Darlene); her grandchildren Regina, Christine, Marissa, Arthur, Gary, Valerie, David, Catherine, Victor, Aimee, Michael, Andy and Jeffrey; and her great-grand daughters and great-grandson: Madelyn, Malayna, Olivia, Molly, Lucas, Finley, and Emerie. She is also survived by her sisters Lily, Rufina, Yolanda, and Virginia.

Friends and family are invited to a viewing at Montecito Chapel, 3520 E. Washington St, Colton, between 4:00 and 8:00 PM with the Rosary Prayer at 6:30 PM on Monday, August 5, 2024. A celebration of life mass will take place at San Salvador Church on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 169 W. L street Colton, CA at 10:00 AM. Annie will be laid to rest at Hermosa Cemetery, 900 N. Meridian Ave, Colton, immediately following the mass. Friends and family are invited to a reception at the American Legion, 1401 Veterans Way, Colton, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Flowers can be sent to Montecito Chapel or San Salvador Church prior to the services or donations can be made to San Salvador Church in her memory.