Luisa Emilia Rodriguez

Luisa Emilia Rodriguez Perez, 78, of Riverview, passed away August 19, 2018. This is the exact same day as her husband Manuel, who passed three years ago in 2015. She was born on May 29, 1940 in Utuado, Puerto Rico, to parents Santiago Perez and Flora Andujar.

Luisa received a degree in Social Work from the University of Puerto Rico and became a Social Worker for the school system. Not an easy task, considering it meant traveling to remote and sometimes dangerous places for her to assist students in need. But it didn’t stop her from doing her job with true dedication and conviction. In addition, she was actively involved in her parish of Santa Catalina De Siena in Bayamon, Puerto Rico where she was a Eucharistic Minister and Cursillo Leader. Following the family’s move to Florida, she worked as a Social Worker for the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services and later retired to be at home with husband Manuel.

After the family moved to Riverview, Florida, she became an active member of the Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon Florida. She was also a lifetime member of DAV (Disabled American Veterans) along with husband Manuel. She shared many hobbies with her husband of 49 years including traveling, gardening, dancing and fishing. Luisa had a wonderful gift for growing all types of orchids. She kept a garden full of them no matter where she lived.

She will be remembered most for her strong love of family. She was fiercely proud of all her children and their spouses as well as her grandchildren. She loved staying in touch with her nieces and nephews in Puerto Rico and always prayed for their health and safety.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Manuel A. Rodriguez; grandson, Gabriel Santiago Leavitt and brother, Juan Luis Perez. She is survived by son, Angel Manuel Rodriguez and spouse, Jodi Rodriguez-Kraut; daughters, Luisa I. Rodriguez-Zmoda and spouse, Paul A. Zmoda, Mayra L. Rodriguez-Leavitt and spouse, Michael A Leavitt; grandchildren, Alyssa L. Rodriguez, Rachel H. Rodriguez, Matthew T. Rodriguez and Serenity A. Leavitt.

A visitation for Luisa will be held Friday, August 24, 2018 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd, Brandon, Florida 33511. A funeral service will occur 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, interment will follow in Hillsboro Memorial Gardens.