Mary Ann C. Rodriguez, 83 of Whitewater passed away Monday September 11, 2023 at Delavan Health Services.
She was born on August 19, 1940 the daughter of Olin John “Cotton” and Genevieve (nee Branks) Bienfang in her Whitewater home where she continuously resided until her ailing health prevented her from remaining at home. She married Victor A. Rodriguez, Jr. on November 25, 1958 and they had five children.
Mary Ann, more fondly known as “Mary,” “Mother Mar,” “MM,” “Miriam,” “Gramma,” and “Grams,” was a traditional mom in every sense of the word. Her family and home were the center of her life. Home was always the center of the neighborhood block kid activities where treats were always a priority. Daily laundry and removing stains was her expertise! She had a love of animals as was evident by the numerous cats and dogs in and out of the house throughout the years. She was heart broken she couldn’t take her cat, Mippy, with her to Health Services. Her passion was listening to music and reading, hanging out in her recliner with her chips and chocolate watching TV and movies in her living room. Her DVD collection is phenomenal.
Mother Mar is survived by her 5 children; Victor (Margaret) Rodriguez of Shorewood, WI, Roque (Rhonda) Rodriguez of Whitewater, WI, Genevieve (Brant) Mursch of Whitewater, WI, Chinchi Jorgensen of North Prairie, WI, and Mary (Michael) Mahoney of Whitewater, WI. She is further survived by 12 grandchildren; Christopher, Emery, Alex, Laura, Victor, Clayton, and Xavier Rodriguez, Jaime (Charlie) Rortvedt, Michael and Shane Rodriguez, Jennifer (Josue) Santiago, and Melissa Mursch-Rodriguez. In addition, she is survived by 7 great-grandchildren; Addison and Andrew Rortvedt, Quinton, Lucas, Havana, and Alora Rodriguez, and Josue Levi “Jr” Santiago.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor; mother, Genevieve (Branks) Streib; Father, Olin John “Cotton” Bienfang; grandparents, Catherine and Thomas Branks; brother, Timothy Streib; sister, Margaret Gonzalez; niece, Margaret “Maggie” Gonzalez; son-in-law, Greg Jorgensen; and grandson, Lance Rodriguez.
Mother Mar will forever be missed and remembered for her loving, generous, giving, kind heart and silly “tee hee” laughter. Thank you, mom, for always being there for all of us!
Special thanks of sincere gratitude and appreciation to the entire Delavan Health Services staff and St. Croix Hospice /Delavan for all your kindness and compassionate care to our mother and our family during her brief residency and unexpected decline in health. Your dedication and sincere care for those in need has made a difference in our lives during this most difficult time.
A private mass of Christian burial took place on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church Whitewater. Burial took place immediately following the mass at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials in Mary’s name can be made to St. Croix Hospice if desired.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
