Emma Leal Rodriguez

Emma Leal Rodriguez, a longtime resident of Brownsville, passed peacefully on Monday, May 5, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. The youngest of Jose Leal Rios and Isabel Cantu Leals four children, Emma was born in Mercedes, Texas.

Emma was a devoted and caring wife, mother and grandmother who led her life with honor and dignity. After graduating from Pan American University, she worked as a Certified Medical Technologist before choosing to become an educator. A teacher in the Brownsville Public School System for more than 35 years, she taught at both the elementary and high school levels.

Those who knew Emma learned by her example in how to live the life that honored her spirit, one of quiet determination and selfless support of her husband and family. Her deep, abiding faith in God guided her life and sustained her throughout her long illness.

She enjoyed antiquing, bargain hunting at garage sales, watching old movies and traveling in Europe, especially England in the summer. She always looked forward to visiting with her seven grandchildren and learning about their daily lives. She disliked the iPad, but enjoyed a daily crossword puzzle.

Emma is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Yolanda Solis, her brother Joe Leal and her dear lifelong friend, Irma Martinez. She is survived by her eldest sister, Enedelia Galvan her loving husband of 56 years, Joe A. Rodriguez her four children, Debbie Pringle Andrew, Tony Rodriguez Rhonda, Lucky Rodriguez, and MonDe Davis Chris and her seven grandchildren, Caroline, Bianca, Maya, Gaby, Joey, Emma and Mac.

Emma will be missed dearly by her family and friends. We are grateful for the time that God shared her with us.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 602 E. Elizabeth St., with the recitation of the holy rosary at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at the Mausoleum at Buena Vista Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Adoration Chapel at St. Marys Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard, Brownsville, Texas 78520 or to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 772104486.

The family would like to thank Dr. Charles Zavala for the compassionate care he provided to Emma throughout her illness.

Visitation

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
602 E. Elizabeth Street
Brownsville, TX  78520
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Service

Rosary

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
602 E. Elizabeth
Brownsville, TX  78520
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
7:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
602 E. Elizabeth
Brownsville, TX  78520
Thursday, May 8, 2014
3:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Buena Vista Burial Park Mausoleum
5 McDavitt Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78521

Memorial Contributions

1914 Barnard Road
Brownsville, TX  78521


P.O. Box 4486
Houston, TX  77210