Obituary of Jesusita Rodriguez

Our beloved Jesusita Cardiel Rodriguez, age 79, resident of Austin, passed away peacefully and was called home to our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

Jesusita was born and raised in Corpus Christi and moved to Austin, TX in the early 70s. 

She was preceded in death by her loving and caring parents, Juan Cardiel and Antonia Martinez Cardiel; is now reunited with her devoted husband of 31 years, Epifanio D. Rodriguez; two sisters, and 1 brother. 

Jesusita is survived by her loving children, Norma Ledesma, Susie Ramirez (Javier), Deborah Ramirez, Duve J. Ayala, Jr. (Cristine);  9 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild;  her step-children; two brothers, two sisters; numerous nieces and nephews, and many other extended loving family and friends.

Lovingly called Nana by her grandchildren, whom she proudly boasted about.  Nana had many passions - she loved, loved music, cooking, dancing and getting together with family and friends. Nana was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of all her children which all had nicknames for her: Ms. Sunshine, Queen of Queens, Cleopatra and Madre. As she also had names for her loved ones, which are too many to name. Nana had her own unique and colorful style that we all grew accustom to, she loved standing out. And she always ensured every pet that crossed her path was safe, healthy and happy. 

Jesusita had many occupations but the one she enjoyed the most was helping others as a Social Worker. In the early 80’s she was actively involved in the Democratic Party volunteering with campaigns. 

While the family grieves her loss, they are choosing to remember Jesusita in a way that honors her spirit and would like to extend an invitation to join them in celebrating her life. 

Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons, Ernest Ledesma III, Jonpaul Ledesma, Juan Ramirez, Javier Ramirez, Jr., David Duve Ramirez, Jr., and Raúl Jaimes, her grandson-in-law.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, with Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Mission Funeral Home Serenity, 6204 S 1st St Austin, Texas 78745.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1100 Main St. Buda, Texas 78610.

Burial to follow at Assumption Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Leah Hernandez, her primary care physician who went above and beyond with our Mother’s care and the staff at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House for their compassionate care during her last few days of life.