On Sunday May 14, 2017 our Beloved Mom passed away at the age of 102. She was surrounded by Her Children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren.
Agnes Margaret Rodriguez was born to Ben and Mary Camacho on the family apple farm in Aptos, California. On January 21, 1915 at the age of 14 mom left school to work at the family business, overseeing the workers. She met and married our father Antonio Espinoza and together they had four children. Our father passed away and left our mom a widow. Later mom remarried Ramon Rodriquez and they had one son and raised us together as a family of siblings.
Mom and Dad raised us to be strong and instilled great family values, and to pursue our education. Mom had a long career in the public. She worked packing lettuce in the early 50’s and later started her career in retail. She worked at the Toggery, Bonanza 88, Fords Department Store, and Ace Hardware where she retired at the age of 82. Mom was 1 of 13 children. She will be rememberd for her loving smile, sewing talents, great cooking, baking and gardening, not to forget her famous apricot jam and her mama’s apple pie. She was the oldest living native of Aptos California, Elder with the Ohlone Indian Council, Pink Lady, member of St. Patrick’s Church and the YLI.
Mom loved to travel and was proud of her heritage. Her most memorable trip was to Spain with granddaughter Desiree Espinoza. Mom was preceded in death by her husbands, and her 12 siblings, granddaughter Sue Espinoza Miller, and her favorite son in-law Juan Morales.
She is survived by her children Dorothy Schneider, Patricia Morales, Tony Espinoza, Robert Espinoza and Raymond Rodriquez. 6 grandchildren Cynthia Chavarria, Greg Chavarria, Rita Webb, Desiree Espinoza, Marisa Espinoza and Tomas Espinoza; 14 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog Cha Cha.
Rosary will be held Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 7:00 pm at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel in Watsonville, California.
Funeral will be held Friday May 26, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church in Watsonville, California with burial and reception to follow. The Family would like to give a special Thank You to her friend and hair dresser Lupe Flores.
