Eloisa G. Rodriguez

Eloisa G. Rodriguez – Obituary to be published on the Rivera Family Funeral Website Eloisa G. Rodriguez, a life-long resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico was called to eternal peace on October 22, 2018 after a short illness. Eloisa was born on September 27th in La Madera, NM. Eloisa is preceded in death by her parents Elias and Filomena Gallegos, her loving husband Deacon Facundo Rodriguez and her son Mark Rodriguez. Eloisa was also preceded in death by siblings, Elias Gallegos (Aurora), Ubaldo Gallegos (Dora), Bailon Gallegos, Victoria Maes (Jesus), Macedonio Gallegos, Orlando Gallegos (Evangeline), Veronica Gallegos, Eloy Gallegos and Eduardo Gallegos. Eloisa attended boarding school at the Northern New Mexico Normal School in El Rito, New Mexico, where she formed many life-long friendships. Upon graduation, she was employed at the school, as the secretary to the school principal which turned out to be very serendipitous, as that is where she met the love of her life, her handsome husband Facundo, he was an in-coming principal and her new boss! Eloisa and Facundo were married in 1955 and lived in El Rito for several years; they later moved to Penasco, New Mexico, as Facundo became the superintendent of schools. However, for most of Eloisa’s adult life she and her family made Santa Fe, NM their home. Eloisa lived her faith in a very active manner, she was member of the Altar Society and Catholic Daughters at St. John’s Catholic Church. Additionally, she and her husband Facundo were very active in the early days of the Cursillo movement. Eloisa had a long career in retail working for almost two decades at C.R. Anthony and Desert Rose where she made many close friends from her regular customers. Eloisa and Facundo were very active members of the Elks Lodge (BPOE) where Eloisa served as a Doe, including in the role of President. Eloisa was a past member of American Business Women’s Association and a supporter of the Spanish Colonial Arts Society. When Eloisa’s husband decided to follow his faith journey and become a Permanent Deacon, she also committed to live a life of service along with him. Together they would bring the Holy Eucharist to the residents of Casa Real Nursing Home. After her husband’s death, Eloisa continued her service by representing the Deacon Widows on the Deacon Board and continued to serve the Catholic community at Casa Real every Friday for over 15 years. In addition, Eloisa and her husband were founding parishioners of Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community where she served faithfully as an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist. Eloisa was also a member The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, where she held a rank of Lady Commander with Star. Eloisa was an extraordinary hostess and enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home. Eloisa was an exceptional cook and loved to bake but she was especially known for her red chile. She had many hobbies, including embroidery, gardening and travel. Eloisa had quick wit and enjoyed getting to know people. Eloisa will be greatly missed by her two daughters Michelle and Marietta, son-in-law Valentin and her only granddaughter, Micaela. In addition, Eloisa’s many nieces and nephews will feel loss of her presence, as she was a family matriarch. Memorial contributions can be given in Eloisa’s name to Good Shepard Center, 218 Iron Avenue SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. Viewing will be on Monday, October 29th at 6:00 p.m. at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass celebrating Eloisa’s life is scheduled on Tuesday, October 30th at 10:00 a.m. at Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community with a burial immediately following at Rosario Cemetery; a reception will follow.