Isabel Salgado Rodriguez

Isabel Salgado Rodriguez was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Isabel will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Isabel was born on November 19, 1920 at her parent's house in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was the daughter of Marianna and Viviano Salgado. Isabel grew up in New Mexico and California.

Isabel was raised with four siblings named, Ramona Vela, Lola Rivera, Ines and Vicente Salgado. Isabel was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Isabel had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Isabel was an active child who took part in painting and drawing. She also volunteered to help the nuns at a nearby convent. In her spare time she liked to draw and paint. She also enjoyed roller skating. However, to Isabel, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

In February of 1958, Isabel exchanged wedding vows with Guadalupe Rodriguez at the Courthouse in Merced, California. Empathic and loyal, Isabel was committed to making her new family happy.

Isabel worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Isabel was blessed with twelve children, five daughters, Maryann, Charlotte, Rosemary, Yolanda and Elvira, and seven sons, Moises, Joseph, Arthur, John, Richard, Albert and George. Another blessing for Isabel was the gift of 38 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Fortunately, Isabel enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Isabel worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was as a Residential Care Home provider for 35 years and also a business owner for more than 30 years. Isabel always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Isabel enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were cooking, reading, dancing, sewing, watching wrestling, and going to the casinos. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Isabel was a woman who took pride in upholding her beliefs. So it is little wonder that she took an active role in her community, serving on committees for the Residential Care Organizations.

Isabel was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Sugar, a Chihuahua dog. They were best friends for 10 years.

Isabel passed away on May 3, 2012 at home in San Jose, California with her family surrounding her. She passed away due to natural causes. She is survived by her husband Guadalupe; her children Maryann Dorado, Charlotte Sipes, Rosemary Martinez, Moises Mendez, Yolanda Espinoza, Joseph Espinoza, Arthur Mendez, Elvira Torres, John Torres, Richard Rodriguez, Albert Rodriguez, and George Rodriguez; her 38 grandchildren; her 50 great grandchildren; and her 2 great-great grandchildren. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of the Oaks in San Jose, California. Isabel was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

Simply stated, Isabel was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Isabel leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Isabel Salgado Rodriguez.