On the morning of March 13, 2024, Antonia “Toni” G. Rodriguez peacefully passed away at Community Medical Hospital (CMH) in Ventura, California. Toni was tenderly cared for by CMH staff for the 3 weeks she was there. She was coherent and aware of all the visitors who came to support her and express words of love and encouragement. Toni was 86 years old.
Toni was born in Thousand Oaks, California at Dos Vientos Ranch on July 22, 1937. She was the fourth child and first daughter of Jose Gonzales and Trinidad Sendejas. Toni had 9 siblings.
Toni is survived by her brothers Marion (and the late, Efigenia) Gonzales, Pete Gonzales, John Lujano (Cherie), Gilbert "Filo" Lujano (Gloria), and sisters Gloria Lopez (Abel), Isabel Morales and Connie Madrid, and a myriad of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Toni was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Rodriguez, her mother, Trinidad Sendejas, grandmother, Natividad Oliva, brothers: Jimmy "Bongo" Gonzales, and Joe (Rita) Gonzales, and her fur babies, Snuggles & Jewel.
Toni was a kind, generous and gentle soul. She was the matriarch and a pillar in the Gonzales/Lujano family. Toni loved her family, friends, and animals with an immeasurable amount of love. During her life, Toni loved to listen to music, read romance novels, take countless pictures, watch old movies, watch her Dodgers (and kept score of all their games!), eat dessert, and take long baths. Toni enjoyed simple outings, especially anything to celebrate family.
Toni’s first employment was providing care for children on the ranch in Thousand Oaks. Later, when she moved to Oxnard, she worked for many years at the “chileria” in Colonia, the Hueblein/Reynolds/Kraft-Heinz/Nabisco/Del Monte plant. She made many friends and enjoyed sharing stories from her "good old days” at the “chileria”. A result of her employment there led to lifelong friendships.
We will miss you sis, tia, nina and friend! Your physical being will be missed here, especially at the holidays which you loved to celebrate with your selected cards and little blessings. We will hold your memory dear in our hearts and continue those celebrated traditions in remembrance of you. Watch over us and let our actions make you proud by being united and never ceasing to love one another like you loved us. Rest in paradise until we meet again. We love you, Toni!!
A private memorial will take place in mid-May. Please reach out to siblings Gilbert Lujano or Isabel Morales for details.
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