Maria Moreno Rodriguez's Obituary
Maria Moreno Rodriguez, 97, of Houston, Texas, passed away on April 20, 2026, in Houston.
She was born on November 18, 1928, in Runge, Texas, to Martimiano Moreno and Sofia Santamaria.
On February 15, 1952, she married the love of her life, Guadalupe S. Rodriguez, in Elsa, Texas.
Maria dedicated many years of service to Pasadena ISD, beginning as a school custodian and later earning a promotion to Head Custodian at Mae Smythe Elementary School. She took great pride in her work and was known for her strong work ethic, kindness, and steady presence within the school community.
Her faith was central to her life. She enjoyed reading the Bible, listening to sermons, and surrounding herself with Christian music. Maria also loved gardening, crocheting, sewing, and spending time with her family—moments that brought her deep joy and peace.
Maria is survived by her daughters Elizabeth Vargas of Arkansas, Lucinda Rodriguez of Houston, Texas, and Perla Marisa Murillo of Channelview, Texas; and by her son Hiram G. Rodriguez of Houston, Texas. She also leaves behind five grandchildren—Julie J. Vargas, Danielle D. Haney, Marina C. Rodriguez, Jacob E. Murillo, and Joshua I. Murillo—and two great‑grandchildren, all of whom she cherished dearly. Maria is further survived by her sister Dorcas Loera from Brownsville, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Martimiano Moreno and Sofia Santamaria of Tamaulipas; her grandparents, Leonires Santamaria and Anicita Sandoval; her daughter, Elizabeth Vargas; and her husband, Guadalupe S. Rodriguez.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests potted plants.
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