July 27, 1946 - December 10, 2017 Barbara J. Rodriguez passed away on December 10, 2017 at the age of 71 after a short battle with cancer. She is survived by her children: Rhonda Rodriguez-Leyva (Denis) and David (Thäis) Rodriguez; her grandchildren: Justin (wife) Schrader, Stephanie (Cindi) Mrgudich, Benjamin Cook, Kaitlyn Rodriguez, Johnathon Rodriguez, Mason Rodriguez, Kai Rodriguez; great grandchild, William Schrader; and brother Robert (Regina) Anderson. She is preceded in death by her son, Rodney Rodriguez; ex-husband, David C. Rodriguez; mother, Adeline Anderson; father, Robert Anderson; sister Julia Mae Ouilhon; brother, Manuel Lomba; and Aunt, Bertha Weaver.
After growing up in Stockton, CA, Barbara moved to San Jose where she raised three children as a single mom. She worked for SJUSD for thirty years before retiring in 2008 at the age of 60. She received her Teaching Credential and graduated with a BA in Early Childhood Education at the age of 50 from SJSU. During her career, she was a well-respected preschool through 1st grade teacher (teaching at Lowell, Olinder, and Washington Elementary schools), resource trainer, and finally the Director for the Young Families Program at Broadway Continuation School.
Barbara’s light shined brightly for all that knew her. She was a selfless pillar of support for the family she raised; the friendships she cherished; the students she educated; the young mothers she encouraged, and all other souls that crossed her path. In her rest, her example and love will remain a beacon of light for us all.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Martha’s Kitchen in San Jose, where she spent time volunteering or send flowering plants, trees or other greenery that can be planted in her memory.
VISITATION
Viewing and visitation will occur on Sunday, December 17, 2017 from 12:00 noon to 8:00pm in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi.
SERVICES
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 11:00 am in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Road, Lodi.
Reception to follow at 8918 Campbell Road, Elk Grove.