Stephanie Michelle Rodriguez

A mother, a fighter, and survivor, Stephanie beat leukemia and lived immaculately during her young life. She was passionate about her children, family, best friends, and kept close happy memories with cousin Analicia and best friends Amber and Valerie. A zealous party planner at heart, Stephanie loved celebrating, above all, her children’s birthdays, and other social events. With her beautiful brown hair and infectious smile, she made light where there was dark, created smiles where there were none, and stirred laugher with silly pranks and jokes. It was a long battle Stephanie fought against leukemia, but her faith did not waver. Her victory prevailed. And she leaves behind a great gift to her loved ones—the gift of peace in knowing she lived and died surrounded by true love, and now lives in eternal love.

Stephanie is survived by her parents Tommy and Linda Rodriguez; children: Jordyn and Hailie Garcia, and Aiden Rodriguez; sisters Priscilla Mejia and Jessica Tarin; brother-in-law Robert Mejia; nephews Sergio, Robert, and Tristan Mejia; special aunt Gloria Cruz; "Big Brothers" Ector, Michael, and Eric Garivay; her uncle Frank Lara; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; maternal grandparents Jerry and Elma Jaques, George and Elaine Bastardo; paternal grandparents Joe and Adela Trevino. Stephanie is preceded in death by her aunt Betty Lara, paternal grandfather Robert Rodriguez, her hero Marine LCpl. Elias "E.T." Torrez, III, uncle and aunt Fidel and Catarina Perez, and her dog Kobe.

Rosary is at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 with Fr. Joey Faylona officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers are Robert Mejia, Ector Garivay, Michael Garivay, Eric Garivay, Jeremiah Trevino, and Dominick Garcia. Honorary Pallbearers are Aiden Rodriguez, Sergio, Robert, and Tristan Mejia. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Johnson’s Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank William P. Clements, Jr. Hospital staff, doctors, and nurses on the 8th and 11th floors for their excellent care and dedication to Stephanie’s health, and also we would like to extend a special thanks to cousins Bianca and Elissa.

“Today my journey starts…God is good. [I’m] beyond blessed and I’m excited to see what God has in store for me. I have the best support system anyone could ask for…God is good.” --Stephanie Michelle Rodriguez.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at johnsons-funeralhome.com