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A wonderful woman, spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, niece, co- worker, mentor, mother-in-law, advocate and friend has passed to spread her joy to her transitioned family and new friends. Mary Lou Rodriguez, 82, of San Antonio, Texas died peacefully surrounded by family on December 31, 2025, two days shy of her 83rd birthday. She was born January 2, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas to John Salinas and Carmen (Valdez) Salinas, who treated her with all the love and admiration befitting their third child. She enjoyed working with her mother at the general store they ran on Castroville Road before its conversion to her father’s radio and television repair business. Mary Lou attended Edgewood High School before going on to work as a secretary and administrative assistant. She spent most of her career working with the San Antonio City Clerk’s Office. While in that office, she took minutes of the City Council meetings and later was responsible for all honorary resolutions and proclamations to recognize different events or causes around the City. This was the work she found most satisfying and really defined her work life. Mary Lou met the love of her life, Arturo Rodriguez, at Edgewood High School where they dated through graduation. Like many high school loves, they separated shortly thereafter. A year later they were reunited at a dance. Arturo and another man asked Mary Lou for the next dance…and she chose the other man. Persistent now as he was then, Arturo made a second effort to dance with her and that effort was rewarded with a marriage that lasted 62 years. They married on April 28, 1963. Both would say it was the best 62 years of their lives. The title Mary Lou would likely have found the most fitting is “Awesome Spouse.” They soon started a family. Sonia Rodriguez made the couple a family on May 20, 1964. With all the bluster and excitement of a hurricane, Sonia kept both on their toes throughout their lives. But the love was strong and endured as Sonia provided such great love and care during Mary Lou’s declining years. Monica (Rodriguez) Gonzalez joined the family on May 16, 1968. She immediately gave them an additional child to love and nurture. During the teen years, let’s just say Monica provided balance to what Sonia provided. Arturo D. Rodriguez, Jr. joined the family June 5, 1970. As the youngest boy, he was showered with all the love an entire family could bring. Through all the years with her kids, Mary Lou loved them all equally and provided the home they loved. Mary Lou was simply the best mom ever. Though she loved being a mother, Mary Lou excelled at being a grandmother. Through Monica’s marriage to Juan Gonzalez, Mary Lou spent a lot of time with Jonathan and Michael Gonzalez. Through Art’s marriage to Kate (Luton) Rodriguez, Mary Lou enjoyed time with Madeline and Diego Rodriguez. Even while living through the effects of Alzheimer’s Disease, she never forgot her grandchildren and was always there for their birthdays, holidays, performances, and sporting events. Mary Lou even had great-grandchildren. Through Jonathan’s marriage to Ashley (Maher) Gonzalez, Mary Lou was a great-grandmother to Patrick, Alex, a sweet son whose life ended to soon, and Alana who Mary Lou got to meet. As she lived with Alzheimer’s through her parents and siblings’ own bouts with the disease, Mary Lou was very aware of the road she faced when she was ultimately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But instead of letting the disease control her fate, she embraced the diagnosis and became an advocate for patients. She gave speeches, did commercials and interviews, and was recognized for her work advocating for the continued dignity of patients during their last days. She was a beacon of light for caregivers during that period of time. Mary Lou had two siblings, Mary (Salinas) Pacheco (spouse Joe Pacheco) and Rodolfo Salinas (spouse Gertrudis Salinas). All both preceded her in death. Lastly, if you know Mary Lou, you had an instant friend. To all that met her, you could not have asked for a more joyful person to know. She was the best wife, mother, and grandmother. While her joy on earth is certainly missed, the family is comforted that her joy is being spread to everyone as she crossed from this life. SERVICES On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M. followed by the Rosary at 6:00 P.M. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, 3401 Cherry Ridge Drive. On Monday, January 12, 2026 the procession will depart the Funeral Home Chapel at 8:45 A.M. for a 10:00 A.M. Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church 1204 Castroville Road. Interment will follow at San Fernando Archdiocesan Cemetery II. Donations in Mary Lou’s name may be made in lieu of flowers to https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/arturorodriguez/mary-lou-rodriguez-memorial-page in support of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Tributes

Mary Lou Rodriguez

January 2, 1943 - December 31, 2025