Margarita Rodriguez honored in day of Grand Hall memorials

Colleagues collecting funds for family of longtime custodian

Margarita Rodriguez was remembered as a kind, generous and loving member of the Rice community who dedicated 40 years of her life to serving the university.

Margarita Rodriguez

Rodriguez, a Rice custodian who died Oct. 30 of complications related to COVID-19, was honored in a day of services held in the Grand Hall of the Rice Memorial Center Nov. 6. A memorial attended by her colleagues in the morning was followed in the afternoon by a physically distanced line of students, faculty and staff filing through the hall to pay their respects.

“She brightened every office gathering through her joy of cooking and there was never a holiday party that you would not find her dancing with her friends,” wrote Kathy Jones, associate vice president for Facilities Engineering and Planning, in a message to the Rice community. “Her enthusiasm and commitment to her work were admired not only by her co-workers but also by the students, faculty and staff at the Shepherd School of Music, where she worked for almost her entire career.”

Jones extended special condolences to Rodriguez’s son, Mario, who also works on the FE&P team.

The day before the services, an emailed invitation to the afternoon memorial generated an outpouring of messages bearing heartfelt remembrances from the Rice community.

“For nearly 20 years, my students, my children and I have been showered with smiles and kindnesses from Margarita,” wrote Sylvia Ouellette, a violin instructor for the Preparatory Program at the Shepherd School. “We have always looked forward to meeting her in the hallways. Knowing that she’s no longer with us will be hard on many of us as we return to campus.”

As a token of their fondness, one of Ouellette’s students, Syssie Liu, and her brother Ethan sent the Rodriguez family a moving video performance of “Ave Maria.” It can be seen at this link.

Jones said those who want to contribute to a fund for Rodriguez’s family should contact Dora Pedraza (dorap@rice.edu) or leave contributions at the FE&P front desk. Stephany Marchany (stephanymarchany@rice.edu), Rice HACER co-president and Brown College senior, is organizing a separate fundraising effort for students.

“Margarita’s smile was unforgettable and her service to the university and the happiness she brought to our community is something we will be forever grateful for,” Jones said.