Rafaela Rodrigues' Obituary
Rafaela Rodrigues (3/19/1932 – 9/6/2016) Rafaela, known to most as Rae, was born on March 19, 1932 in Puerto Rico. She came to the United States at age 13 and was raised in New Jersey. Rae was known to everyone as being very kind, friendly and extremely giving. Rae’s two most important things in life were her family and her faith. She was a member of St. Johns Church for almost 30 years. She left everything in God’s hands and her famous words were “God willing.” In 1958, Rae came to California on vacation with her cousin and met Ernest (Ernie) Rodrigues in Fort Ord. They were married shortly after and because Ernie was in the Army, started traveling the world. Ernie was transferred to Germany where their oldest son Kahl was born. Their second son Rafael (Ralph) was born in Fort Riley, Kansas. Rae and Ernie enjoyed 58 wonderful years together and were inseparable through them all. Since most of us can remember, they have always called each other “Viejo” and “Vieja.” Rae always loved her house full of boys, but was excited to add two daughter-in-law’s, Kathy and Tracy to the family and eventually three granddaughters, Alisha, Chelsea and Rachel. She was so proud of her granddaughters and they were truly the sparkle in her eyes. Spoiling them filled her heart with happiness and they could always count on seeing her smiling face at all their events. Ernie and Rae enjoyed traveling through the country with family in their motor home and dune buggy. Many memories were also shared boating at the Delta in their houseboat with their family, granddaughters and friends, where she loved to fish and cook for everyone. Cooking and feeding people was her passion and she was most famous for her Spanish rice. You could always count on her to say “please have some more.” Filling her home with food and laughter, especially on Christmas Day, was always very special to her. Another past time they enjoyed together was going to Cache Creek. You would always find her winning at the Keno machine playing the same numbers every time (4, 5, 14, 15, and 25). Rae was a very loving wife, mother and grandmother but family did not stop for her there, she opened her house and heart to all showing a level of love and acceptance that we all look up to. She was a very special woman who will always be in our hearts and an angel by our side. Please see below for service information. Burial and reception to follow the funeral service at Chapel of the Chimes. There will also be a mass intention in memory of Rae at St. Johns Catholic Church in San Lorenzo (264 E. Lewelling Blvd.) on Sunday October 16 at 11:30 a.m. for any who wish to join.
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