Maria Estela Rodriguez

Maria Estela Rodriguez, 78, of North Miami, FL, passed away on February 5th, 2025 surrounded by her husband and daughters. She had a long illness with Alzheimer's, which she fought with the same inner strength she demonstrated prior to the disease, and was nurtured and determined with the love in her heart for her family.

Maria was born to Luis Raul Escobar and Estela Carranza on August 15, 1946 in Puerto Padre, Cuba. During her early teens she moved to Holguin, Cuba, and met the love of her life, Waldemar, who was shy but completely smitten by her. It is said that he later would play "Maria" from West Side Story on his speaker and point it towards her house. She was known as "Maria Linda", also affectionally nicknamed "Neni".

In 1966, Maria emigrated to the United States, to follow Waldemar, who had done so four years prior. They were married in Fort Worth, TX on September 16, 1966. Their marriage was blessed by two daughters, Diana and Deborah, which she loved so much and always spoke proudly of them. Her love and discipline are instilled in them today with immense gratitude for helping them become devoted and industrious women.

Maria loved 70's and 80's music – she shared a love of Disco music with her husband and enjoyed many memorable moments with him during that era. She loved to play on the radio, at full blast, Casey Kasem's American Top 40, and watched MTV with her daughters.

Maria, beautiful and fashionably dressed, was always graceful and elegant. She used her innate sense of style to help many women during her working years in retail. Animal prints and great accessories, especially pearls, were always her 'signature'.

Nature was also dear in her heart. She loved plants and flowers, butterflies, and birds. During her illness, her husband lovingly placed birdfeeders amongst the oak tree in the backyard so she could enjoy the beautiful and calming sight.

Maria leaves behind her dedicated husband of 58 years, Waldemar Nicasio Rodriguez, her loving daughters Diana Maria Rodriguez (Juan) and Deborah Kattan (Joel), her beloved grandson Noah Kattan, step-grandchildren Nico Holguin and Alexa Hoffman, siblings Luis Raul, Marianita and Georgina, nieces and nephews Raysa, Enovar, Yanet and Yonar.

She will be missed and honored forever.