Maria de los Angeles Rodriguez

She was the daughter of Trinidad Sanchez de Zorrilla and Pedro Zorrilla. The fourth of six children, she had a fun-loving childhood with morning swims at the beach and lots of laughter with her friends and sibilngs. Angelita became an accomplished pianist and was well-known in Veracruz for her musical talent and “movie star” quality.

In 1949, she met Joaquin José Rodriguez, Sr., on his vacation from Dallas, Texas. They married on October 12th of that year. He brought her to his home and movie business and they became partners in life and love. Together they owned and operated the Festival Theatre and showed Spanish language films until it was sold in 1983.

Angelita had the magic touch of helping all feel loved and welcomed. Many patrons came to the Festival Theatre not only to watch movies but to hear her advice and share her joy of life.

She had numerous friends and was a wonderful hostess and cook. There was a small group of six close friends who played Canasta together for over twenty years. Angelita was also famous for her Thanksgiving parties and traditional Christmas Eve celebrations which allowed the house to overflow with a spirit of fun and love.

Angelita and Joaquin had six children and their spouses: Mariangel Rodriguez; a baby boy who passed away; Joaquin José, Jr. (JJ) and wife Suzanne Rodriguez; Roland; Gloria and husband Brett McKay; and David Rodriguez.

Angelita had a youthful spirit and was thrilled to be able to enjoy her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Olivia and husband Matt Smith and children Sofia, Alexander, Benjamin, (stepsons) Logan and Rocky; Jason, John, Jeanette, Suzette, JJ (III) Rodriguez, JJ III's sons Javion and Joaquin; Angie and husband Jason Perez and children Jason, Ryan and Lea; Rolo; Maggie and soon to be husband Greg Theil; and Lauren McKay.

Angelita is also survived by her sweet “Mana” Trinuca and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Greeting her in Heaven are her amor eterno (forever love), Joaquin, and her sons “Baby Boy” and Roland.

When asked how she was, Angelita always answered with a smile, that she was very good and that she had a “wonderful, wonderful life, a wonderful husband and wonderful children”.

The Rodriguez Family invites you to celebrate and remember the life of Angelita. Visitation will be held at the Calvary Hill Funeral Home chapel on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 from 5PM to 9PM, with the Holy Rosary recited at 7PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the North Chapel of Calvary Hill on Thursday at 1PM, with the Committal to follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery.