Maria Alicia Rodriguez (Martinez)

Maria Alicia Rodriguez (Martinez) was called home by the Lord on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. She is survived by her husband, Robert; her children, Linda, Kenneth, Janette, James, and Edward. She had the joy of watching three grandchildren grow, Christina, Audrey, and Alexander. In addition, she relished her time with her great-grandchildren, Addison, Hayden, and Liam.

Maria was born in west Texas, and was the second youngest of 13 siblings. She attended college at Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX, where she obtained a teaching degree in Elementary Education. It was here that she also met her husband of 66 years, Robert. The two enjoyed Air Force life, and in 1955 they were blessed with their first child. Maria and Robert had four more children, and raised them in San Antonio until 1968 when they moved to Albuquerque, NM. It was here that Maria attended the University of New Mexico and obtained a graduate degree in both Counseling and Special Education.

Maria touched many lives as both a teacher and a counselor. She believed that students needed a role model and guidance, which she strived to provide each day. She worked in the Albuquerque Public Schools, from which she retired with 20 years of service. During her time in the school system, and even after retirement, Maria firmly believed in giving back to her community. She was diligent in her work as part of the Las Mujeres Scholarship Program, as the LULAC Deputy District Director, and as an active member of the St. Charles Borromeo Church.  She received multiple awards due to her philanthropic efforts including recognition by the New Mexico Coalition of Women, the Spanish Embassy for Spanish Studies, the Hispano Chamber of Commerce as the member of the year, and SunWest Bank with a Community Service award.

One of her final, major endeavors was to be on the Albuquerque Tricentennial Committee as a Co-Chair. The project lasted a full year, and culminated with the creation of a monument in the center of Old Town. Maria was instrumental in making the Tricentennial dream become a reality, and her name holds a place of honor as founding member on the monument itself.

Her services will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 1818 Coal Pl. SE, Albuquerque, NM. The rosary will begin at 9:30 with a Mass to follow on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. In lieu of flowers, please provide a contribution to a scholarship program of your choice.