Isabel Estela Rodriguez

Isabel Estela Rodriguez, lovingly referred to as “T” by her nieces and nephews, was born on May 26, 1959, and entered eternal rest on February 6, 2026, at Mission Regional Medical Hospital after a short illness.

She was a proud graduate of La Joya High School, Class of 1977.

Isabel dedicated many years of service to the La Joya Independent School District, where she worked as a Migrant Early Childhood Educator until her recent retirement. Education and service were central to her life, and she gave both her whole heart.

A woman of strong faith, Estela began her ministry as a lector at The Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle. In her later years, she remained closer to home while continuing her service at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Joya as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. She took this ministry very seriously, as it allowed her to bring the Holy Eucharist to the sick and homebound—one of the roles closest to her heart.

Her dedication to service led her to become a member of the Catholic Daughters of America (CDA), where she was an active member for seven years and proudly served as Chairperson of the Sunshine Committee for three years. She was well known for her involvement in Thanksgiving luncheons for the sick and elderly, Marian Conferences, and other parish and community activities.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arturo Rodriguez Sr. and Isabel Contreras Rodriguez, Pilar Perez and Delfina “Fina” Contreras Perez; her sister, Maria Concepcion “Concha” Lopez; and her brother, Enrique Rodriguez.

She is survived by her beloved niece, Sabina Lopez, who was always by her side and whom Estela loved and considered as a daughter.
She is also survived by her four brothers: Encarnacion “Chon” (Lollie) Rodriguez, Arturo “Tori” (Lillian) Rodriguez, Alfonzo “Poncho” (Rita†) Rodriguez, and Reymundo “Mundo” (Cynthia) Rodriguez, as well as her cherished nieces and nephews.

Her greatest legacy lives on through her family. Her life was a testament to faith in action, and she now rests in the peace of the Lord she served so faithfully.