Carmela Rodriguez

Carmela Rodriguez, 88, passed away peacefully at home on December 13, 2021. Carmela was born on July 14th, 1933 in Manhattan, New York to parents Joseph and Connie Canzoniero.

Carmela was a hard worker her entire life and loved the Lord. At an early age, she helped raise her siblings while their father was away at WWll and continued that work ethic into her final days. She volunteered her time at the Terrell State Hospital for many years and worked at the local florist shop and just about wherever she could to stay busy on top of studying the Bible. She was a seamstress as well in her early days. Carmela was also a fighter and overcame her battle with cancer on more than one occasion. She loved her family and enjoyed all the visits with them. She also enjoyed the Christmas holiday by decorating her house early and baking the best Christmas cookies.

Carmela was preceded in death by her parents, son Ralph Rodriguez and daughter Dolores Sharick.

Those left with cherished memories are her son Rick Smith and wife Cindy, daughter Diane Bartlett, son Ron Rodriguez and wife Michelle; six grandchildren: Eric, Cory, Joel, Kristin, Lauren, and Ryan; two great-grandchildren; three sisters: Marie, Angie, and Jean along with a host of other beloved family and friends who will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you make a donation in Carmela’s remembrance to https://www.stjude.org/ St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.