Maria Elena Rodriguez

Maria Elena Rodriguez (October 30, 1939), beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many passed away peacefully from an extended illness on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. She is better known to her family and friends as Helen and Nena. Helen was preceded in death by her parents Antonio and Felice Rodriguez, her brothers Joe (Tata) Rodriguez, and Tony (JP) Rodriguez Jr., and her nephew Isaac Harold Rodriguez.

Helen is survived by her sisters Fannie Rodriguez of Rio Rancho, and Rachel and husband Louie Fresquez of San Pedro; sister-in-law Rosita Rodriguez of Espanola; nieces and nephews-her “hitos” and ‘hitas”- Jim Farmer (Linda) of La Mesilla, Lynn Farmer of Rio Rancho, Ken Farmer (Cindy) of Albuquerque; Brenda Fresquez of Santa Fe, Lawrence Fresquez (Anna Mae) of Velarde, Michael Fresquez (Shannon) of Bernalillo and Nanette Rodriguez-Martinez (Casey); great-nieces and great-nephews- Rita Ann Campbell (Ryan), Mary Lynn Farmer, Ryan, Isaac and Savannah Fresquez, and Desean Smith; and several cousins in the Espanola Valley, Albuquerque, Colorado, and Utah.

Helen enjoyed playing cards, bingo, working on puzzles, and camping with friends and family. Family meant the world to Helen, she loved gatherings for birthdays and holidays, bringing her an abundance of joy.

Over her lifetime, Helen worked for Espanola Public Schools, Elliot & Barry Company in Denver, Colordo, and Sun Bell Corporation in Albuquerque; she retired after working several years for the Los Alamos National Laboratory’s facility’s subcontractor KleenTech.

We are thankful and appreciate all her neighbors who were so good to her; Leonard Valerio, Mary and Leonard Vigil, Chris Martinez, Rita and Luis Rascon. The family is forever grateful to Rosie Contreras for her exceptional and tender loving care of our dear Nena.

Funeral services for Helen Rodriguez will be held on Tuesday February 8th, 2022, with a Rosary at 10:30am, following with Mass at 11:00am at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz. The burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Espanola.

Serving as pallbearers are Lawrence, Ryan, Isaac, Michael, and Savannah Fresaquez, Jim and Ken Farmer.

Honorary pallbearers are Desean Smith, Rita Anne Campbell, Mary Lynn Farmer, Leonard Valerio, and Leroy Rodriguez.

Due to Covid there will not be a condolence line for the Family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen.

The family of Maria Elena Rodriguez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477 www.devargasfuneral.com

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