"Come in! Come in! Do you want a tea?". It was the standard greeting for years until she relented that she couldn't make it as sweet as she wanted because she had to cut down on sugar, but her welcoming nature never changed. Even after age and health required her to stop going out as much, she always wanted and welcomed people into her home. You knew the TV would be on, she would be in her recliner ready to chat, and you would be greeted and fed, with any leftovers going to the stray cats she also welcomed into her yard. But you also knew not to interrupt her at 7 pm when her novelas were on.
It is with extreme sadness that our matriarch, Isidra Rodriguez, gained her angel wings on July 4th, 2020. This strong woman was the guiding light of the family. She always had a lot to say, and regardless if you asked about what was happening in the family, she would tell you because somehow she always knew it all. She was proud to show off her family. She loved receiving pictures and was part of the growing minority of people who still put photos up in her house for everyone to see. One thing that you could always look forward to was a call on your birthday to tell you to have fun, have a drink for her, and she loved you. You could also count on a card signed God Bless You with $5 inside. While she didn't have a lot, that $5 was an immeasurable gift of her love and the one that meant the most.
Born on New Years Eve 1935 to Magdaleno and Margarita Ybarra, she came into the world with a bang and never stopped! She was 84, and she lived those years fully, on her terms and without regret. Years of dancing with her favorite dancing partner, the one who called her CeeCee, her beloved husband. Years filled with countless weddings, quinces, birthdays, and unfortunately, too many funerals too. Her sisters were like little girls again when they would get together with all the laughing, inside jokes, nicknames, and long talks. Her visits to see her brothers and family in Ohio gave her so much joy and good memories long after she couldn't make those trips anymore.
She was indeed a native San Antonian. She loved the food only her hometown could provide like the carne guisada from local businesses to the barbacoa from across the street and, of course, the pan dulces from the frequently visited bakery next door. She loved watching the Spurs and even talking some trash to her family in Houston who rooted for their rivals, but there's also a picture of her in a Rockets shirt that will always be cherished because she knew family is what really mattered. She was all about traditions and keeping them alive through the generations. It made her proud to show her children and grandchildren how to make her delicious tamales and menudo and that even her gift of curing ojo was passed down; "Don't forget the Lord's Prayer" she'd say because in addition to the love of her family and her city, her love of her Faith shined. She physically blessed visitors when they would leave her home, ended every plan with "Yes, God willing" and finished every call with "I love you, God Bless You.".
She was preceded in death by her husband, Juan Rodriguez, her sons Alberto, Ricardo, and Roberto, her brothers Juan (Augustina) and Enrique (Maria), and her sisters Epiqmenia, Maria (Rosalio), and Eloisa (Felix). She is survived by her sister, Hilaria (Manuel-deceased), daughters Margie, Rachel, Diana, and Leticia, her son Raul, her son-in-law Kim, and her daughters-in-law Maria, Janie, Cat, and Cathy. She will be remembered through her over 20 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren. Countless family and friends will eternally love her.
She may have had many names like Baby Sister, Jefa, La Big Red, Red, La Pecosa, Abuelita, Lita, Grandma, Tia, Sheila, Mom, My Heart, but they all represent her love, strength, and beauty. Don't worry about us, we'll take care of each other like you would have wanted. Make some of your sweet tea for your love and baby boys while you all are dancing in Heaven. We love you, God Bless You.
