Dora Rodriguez passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, at age 82. Dora was born to Juanita and Fernando Zabrano in Seguin, Texas, on September 20, 1943. She grew up in Seguin with her siblings Fernando, Ruben and Gloria. After graduating from Seguin High School, she moved to San Antonio, where she met her husband, Gilberto Rodriguez. In 1964, she and Gilberto married in San Antonio, where they raised their children Gilbert (Baby Gil) and Deborah (Debbie). Dora was a devoted mother, grandmother (Momo), great-grandmother and tia grandma.

Dora lived life to the fullest, and the family and friends she surrounded herself with reflected that. When you were in her company, it felt like home. She was a confidant, the voice of reason, and sometimes a disciplinarian (we all remember the hard stare), but it was all done in love. Her laugh echoed through any space she was in, signaling to many that Dora was there.

Her home was an open door; everyone who came into the house was welcomed and treated like family. The number of Thanksgivings, Christmases and Birthdays that were shared around the dining table is forever etched into each of us.

When she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 2013, Dora’s faith and family kept her going. Though confined to a wheelchair, this didn’t stop her; she continued to be a rock for the family and be there when we needed her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gilberto Rodriguez; both parents, Fernando & Juanita Zambrano; and her siblings, Ruben & Gloria Zambrano. She is survived by her son, Gilbert Anthony Rodriguez (Lillian Rodriguez); daughter, Deborah Negrete (Leo Negrete); grandchildren, Sara Tomlin, Miranda Rodriguez, Nicholas Rodriguez and Alexis Acuna; great-grandchildren, Aurora Rivera and Camille Solace Tobias; brother, Fernando Zambrano (Elda Zambrano); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church.