Diana Canales Rodriguez

Diana Canales Rodriguez, 72, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

Diana Enriqueta Canales was born in Alice, Texas on October 9, 1948 to Adolfo Canales, Jr. and Diana R. Canales Gutierrez. Diana, nicknamed “Dyno”, grew up in Benavides, Texas with her older brother Adolfo “Mone” Canales. She attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School until she entered high school in 1962. She graduated from Benavides High School in May of 1966 and pursued a degree in education at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. Diana married Tomas M. Rodriguez, Jr. on December 11, 1966 in Benavides.

Diana moved to Tomas’s hometown of Laredo after they were married, and from 1967-1972, she gave birth to her four children: Patricia, Tomas, Laura, and Carlos. In 1972, Diana began working as a financial specialist for the family businesses of Rodriguez Pipe & Steel Company, Wonder Pools, Inc., and Vision Construction Co. After the family businesses closed in 1983, Diana became a Certified Para-Professional and began her career as an Executive Secretary under the Superintendent for the United Independent School District. From 1984-1994, Diana worked as the Executive Secretary to the Superintendent of St. Augustine High School. She returned to UISD in 1994 working as the secretary for various assistant superintendents. In July of 1998, Diana was hired as the school secretary of John B. Alexander High School until her retirement in 2012.  From 2013-2014, Diana served as Recording Secretary for the Local Unit of Laredo Retired School Employees.  From 2014–2016, she was the District I Secretary.  From 2015-2017, Diana served as the Table Director of Pan American Round Table of Laredo of which she was a member since 1992.

Throughout her life, Diana was a devout Catholic and regularly contributed to her Church community. She was an active and founding member of St. Patrick’s Church. Upon completion of the Church in 1972, Diana became a CCD teacher, Altar and Rosary Society member, Ladies Auxiliary member, Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Director of the Youth Choir. Diana lived her Cursillo in 1984. Upon moving to Northern Laredo in 1997, Diana once again became involved in the founding and development of a new Church, Divine Mercy. There, she was elected to the Parish Council and became a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Choir member and Secretary of the Altar and Rosary Society. Her greatest accomplishment in the Church came in 2005 when she and Tomas became members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem where she became the Section Leader of the Diocese of Laredo and ultimately the Secretary for the Southwestern Lieutenancy. Her final promotion in this prestigious organization was Dame Grand Cross. Diana’s everlasting faith and devotion to our Lord was her greatest treasure, one she will bestow on her family forever.

Diana’s loving spirit knew no bounds.  She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend.  She was often known as a “second mother” or “second grandmother” to many.  Diana was happiest with her family gathered around. Her dining room and kitchen often served as the gathering spot after Sunday Mass and holiday celebrations, or impromptu visits.  She would often treat you with a meal from Danny’s, Taco Palenque, Briskets and Beer or her favorite - Whataburger.  You always left hearing her joyous laughter, and her infectious smile was impressed in your mind. Diana’s fun-loving nature, wit, and beautiful voice will be deeply missed by all her knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolfo G. Canales, Jr. and Diana R. Canales Gutierrez; her in-laws, Tomas M. Rodriguez, Sr., Teresa Martinez Rodriguez, and Alberto and Maria de la Luz “Lucy” Cardenas.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Tomas M. Rodriguez, Jr.; children, Patricia P. Sepesi, Tomas M. Rodriguez III (Olga), Laura Rodriguez–Kitkowski (John), and Carlos J. Rodriguez (Pamela); grandchildren, Renee Kristine Sepesi, Gonzalo Rodriguez (Barbara), Fernando Rodriguez (Jane), Tomas Manuel Rodriguez, Michael Andrew Kitkowski, and Johnathan Phillip Kitkowski; brother, Adolfo “Mone” G. Canales; and brother-in-law, Ricardo A. (Pat) Rodriguez.

The family will be receiving condolences on Thursday evening, February 4, 2021 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday morning, February 5, 2021 departing at 9:30 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 9350 Amber Ave.; for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m.

Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the family plot of the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be: Tomas M. Rodriguez III, Carlos J. Rodriguez, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Fernando Rodriguez, Tomas Manuel Rodriguez, Michael Andrew Kitkowski, Johnathan Phillip Kitkowski, and Alberto P. Cardenas, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: John Berra and Benjamin Puig.

The family would like to extend their most heartfelt gratitude to Estefanny “Fanny” Guerrero, Lorena Lona, Maradelle Lilliam Cardenas de Lara, Dr. Carlos Hornedo, Ana Laura, and Staff, Dr. Mohsen Ghadimi-Mahani and Staff, Doctors Hospital of Laredo especially, Dr. Haber, Irasema, Milan, Shardette, Dana, and Neeandra.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to: Sacred Heart Children’s Home located at 3310 S Zapata Hwy, Laredo, Texas 78046.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.