Tomasita Rodriguez passed away peacefully at home on April 18, 2025, with her family by her side.
Tomasita was born in San Antonio, Texas, to Vicente and Priscilla Garcia. She married the love of her life on October 8, 1957. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother to five children, though one passed away at a young age, leaving her with four. She was an amazing grandmother and great-grandmother and had many nephews and nieces, as well as friends from all over. Among her many friends, Judy was her closest companion for many years.
Tomasita moved to Michigan with her family at a young age. She began her journey as a housewife and later babysat a young girl named Darlene. After that, she worked at the Wolverine Shoe Factory until it closed. Following that, she returned to school to earn her high school diploma. She then pursued a career in nursing and obtained her CNA license. Tomasita worked in various nursing homes until she joined the Alma-Gratiot County Hospital, where she retired at age 65.
Tomasita loved spending time with her family, teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren how to sew, cook, knit, make flour tortillas, care for plants, and be present for them. She enjoyed knitting, solving puzzles, reading her Bible, and making food for her loved ones. Her flowers and plants brought her joy. Tomasita also loved watching old western shows and wrestling with her husband, a passion she continued after he passed away.
Her children survive her:
- Joseph Lee Rodriguez of Alma, Michigan
- Ricky (Christine) Rodriguez of Wildwood, Florida
- Sylvia (Paulino) Perdomo of St. Louis, Michigan
- Anjelica (Matthew) Bradley of Riverdale, Michigan
Twelve grandchildren and Twenty-five great-grandchildren also survive Tomasita.
Funeral services for Tomasita will be 3pm Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Eddie McDaid III and Thomas Collins will officiate. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10am until noon at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Alma.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.