It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Ida Rodriguez. Ida was born and raised in Cuba where she met the love of her life, Valentine. Together they dreamed of a better life in the United States, and in the Spring of 1962 their dream became a reality. Together with two young daughters, the couple came to California in search of freedom. Ida, who was known for her "chispa" (spunk), quickly became a pillar of strength and encouragement for her family during their early years in a foreign country. Shrugging her shoulders during difficult trials, she was often heard saying, "Que se va hacer? Palante (adelante) hay que seguir." (What can we do? Forward we must move!). She was a woman of faith, and there was never a night that she would not utter a prayer for her entire family. Yet in spite of these wise words of encouragement, the void left in our hearts is painful. Ida left behind her husband, three daughters, twelve grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many friends who through the years have been touched by her love.
Yet our hope rests in the knowledge that this is not goodbye, for we are encouraged by the words of our Savior, "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms" (John 14:1-4). We look forward to the day when we will be reunited, and in the meantime may we all spreada little of that "chispa" of encouragement that we gleaned from our beloved Ida.