Maria Gabriela Nava-Rodriguez

Maria Gabriela Nava-Rodriguez (Gabi), a loving daughter, sister, wife, mom, aunt, gramma, and free spirit who lived life to the fullest. A lover of music (Marco Antonio Solis), she lit up the room with her laughter and dancing. Gabi would always radiate positivity and knew there was nothing that could bring her down. She carried herself with strength and faith as she battled her illness reassuring her family “she was good.” Her ‘Good Morning’, ‘What Up’, and ‘Y tu’ messages will be missed.

Gabi had the most loving giving heart. Graduate of Phoenix Union H.S., Phoenix College, ASU, and NAU. A volunteer as a Candy Striper at the age of 16. She then began her working career in the late 80s with the City of Phoenix in Parks and Recreation and the Phoenix Public Library. She enjoyed her various positions at Phoenix Elementary School District such as Media Clerk, Receptionist to Teacher all while continuing to pursue her higher education with the guidance of her sister, Consuelo; she joined the Urban Teacher Corp and graduated from Arizona State University in December 2000. At that time, she continued to work at PESD as a teacher and worked with many students and families from first to sixth grade. Her career in education continued in the Phoenix Union High School District, where she not only taught reading courses but also served as a tennis coach. She retired in 2014, but continued as a substitute teacher during that time Gabi enjoyed her carpool car parties with her granddaughter Audrey.

Maria Gabriela Nava-Rodriguez (Gabi), 64, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away in her home on Friday, January 19, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Mexico, on October 5, 1959. She is survived by her Husband Marco Antonio Rodriguez, Son Carlos Rodriguez, Daughter Gabriela Rodriguez (Girl); Grandkids Matthew (Maricela), Maya, Audrey, James, Andre, Leilani, and Trinity; and her Siblings Arcelia, Silvia, and Marcelino (Alina) Nava De Leon; countless nieces, nephews, and family.

May she rest in peace as she joins her Son Marco A. Rodriguez II (Chatito), Sister Consuelo De Leon Nava (Connie), Mother Maria Patrocinio Nava, Father Marcelino Nava Sr., Grandparents Fidel De Leon and Juanita Lopez, Felix Nava and Maria Acosta.

A visitation for Maria will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Greenwood Memory Lawn Serenity Chapel, 719 North 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009. A Funeral Mass will occur Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony Catholic Parish, 909 S 1st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85003.