Connie Martinez Rodriguez

Connie Martinez Rodriguez, an Austin resident for 58 years passed away February 13th, 2023, at the age of 80. She is survived by her husband Roberto Rodriguez and her children Priscilla Gilbert (William), Maria Elena Gomez (Abraham), Eliazar Rodriguez, Irma Rebeca Williams; her grandchildren, Christian Gilbert, Alexander Gilbert, Shannon McCormick (Zach), Meghan Hamilton (Dakoda), Hannah Gilbert, Abram Gomez, Danielle Grace Gilbert, Wyatt Williams, Carina Gomez, Grady Williams, her great-grandchild, Phillip McCormick. She is also survived by her siblings Roberto Arroyo (Petra), Eva Vallejo, Gumaro Arroyo (Luisa), Irma Cancino (Alberto), Elida Barrera (Alfonso), Adela Hernandez, Federico Hernandez (Eva) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in El Jagüey, Zacatecas, Mexico in 1942 to Zenona Martinez Hernandez and Aucencío Arroyo Cedillo, Connie immigrated to the United States passing through Mexico City and Monterrey. From there, her beloved brother, Atilano Arroyo, helped her make her way to Texas by working with family in Brownsville, Pasadena and San Antonio, before finally settling in Austin. On July 3rd, 1966, she married Roberto Rodriguez of San Antonio in Monterrey, Mexico. On their journey together, they settled in Austin’s East Side and welcomed their daughters, Priscilla and Maria Elena. Moving to the Austin suburbs, the family was complete with Eliazar and Irma Rebeca (Becky). Connie proudly cared for and managed some of Austin’s elite households and always worked hard to take care of her family.

Connie was a strong believer in her faith in God and was devoted to her church family as a member of the Church of God 7th Day. She exemplified the values of worship on the 7th Day Sabbath, prayer, and scripture. She believed in the ministry and participated in numerous programs benefiting the church. Connie utilized her cooking talents to help in fundraising for her church.

Connie’s dream of owning a restaurant was realized in 2006 when she opened La Cocina de Consuelo on Burnet Road. She took so much pride in quality to both her service to her customers and the food she provided them. She continued to work there until 2019 when she sold the business to her niece.

Connie was preceded in death by her father and mother, and her siblings Atilano Arroyo (Olga), Gilberto Arroyo (Maria Ascención), Maria Cruz Hernandez Vazquez (Rigoberto).

Connie was passionate in her care and concern for her large family, her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. The love she bestowed on those who knew her will endure in our thoughts and hearts forever.

A visitation for Connie will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. A service will occur Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Martinez Rodriguez family.