Maria Diamantina Rodriguez

Maria Diamantina Vallejo Rodriguez passed away peacefully at her home in Harlingen, Texas on December 27, 2024. She was born in Brownsville, Texas on March 3, 1932. Diamantina as her father lovingly called her by and “Manti” to all her friends and relatives who know her well. She grew up in the old neighborhood on 314 W. Polk Street in Harlingen. Little did she know, a block away she would meet and marry the love of her life Raul B. Rodriguez. They married on April 14, 1954, and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year. She graduated from the original Harlingen High School on 13th street (where Vernon Middle School is now located) in May of 1951. She excelled in all that she did, she belonged to the Alpha Ray Sorority. She participated in the girls softball team, basketball team and the pep squad. She enjoyed trips to Boca Chica Beach, the movies and high school football games. She enjoyed all her school activities, weekend dances and social gatherings at the local parish hall. During the early years of her marriage, Manti and Raul were stationed in multiple military bases throughout the United States, including San Antonio, Texas, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ogden, Utah, Panama City Florida and the canal zone in Panama. Eventually returning to Harlingen in 1969. She was an exceptional manager of all things and an astute businesswoman, with an eye for details. Her career began in retail sales at Kress Department store, while she was still in high school. She continued her career at Weldon’s and Zales Jewelry stores in downtown Harlingen. She went on to become the store manager of Mangel’s Ladies Apparel and Emphasis Boutique, which later became the Rainbow Shop. After twenty-six years she retired in 1993. Manti learned from her mother how to sew and crochet. She became quite skilled at sewing clothes for her daughters to wear to school and all our formal dresses. Her keen eye for sewing and designing came in handy as she helped sew Mary Helens’ wedding dress and veil and Rachels’ wedding dress. She crocheted numerous blankets, table linens, shawls and ponchos. She passed that knowledge onto her daughters. She also had a love for music and could play the piano by ear. A devoted Catholic, Manti instilled her deep faith and belief in God to her family. She was a member of Queen of Peach Catholic church since 1969. Manti’s greatest achievement was that of being a dedicated and loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. She gave birth to six beautiful children, Roberto, Sylvia, Raul Rene “Roy”, Mary Helen, Rachel and Rose Mary. She is preceded in death by her parents Viviana Solis and Guadalupe Sosa Vallejo, her brothers Isauro Vallejo, Guadalupe “Pete” Vallejo, Jr., Raul Vallejo, sister Clementina De Leon, her sons Roberto Rodriguez, Raul Rene “Roy” Rodriguez and her granddaughter Sabrina Tolentino Pina. She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years Raul B. Rodriguez, Daughters: Sylvia (Lorenzo) Aguilar, Mary Helen (Rolando) Tolentino, Rachel (Tiburcio) Sanchez, and Rose Mary Rodriguez. Daughter in law, Rosario Rodriguez. Grandchildren: Reuben Rodriguez, Rebecca Rodriguez Patino, Vanessa Tolentino Rocio, Benjamin Tolentino, Samantha Hartanovich, William Hartanovich and Raquel Hartanovich. Great Grandchildren: Genesis Tolentino, Ezra Tolentino, Seraphina Rocio, Caterina Rocio, Aubrielle Rocio, Alejandro Patino, Holden Mason, and Juno Ray. Our family would like to thank the staff of Lindenwood Hospice and Palliative Care. A special thanks to Father John Sawchenko for bringing Holy Communion every week to the family. Dr. Mogbolahan “Martin” Kuye for being her primary physician for many years. Hilary Del Rio Sanchez for assisting us with personal care for our mother. Pallbearers for the service will be Reuben Rodriguez, Benjamin Tolentino, William Hartanovich, Tiburcio Sanchez, Rolando Tolentino and Rose Mary Rodriguez. Visitation will begin on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be on Saturday, January 4, 2024, departing Rudy Garza Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. for a mass service at Queen of Peace Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow to Restlawn Memorial Park in La Feria. Texas. Funeral services are under the care and direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home of Harlingen, Texas.

Maria Diamantina Rodriguez

March 3, 1932 - December 27, 2024

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