Rachel Mae Rodriguez

Rachel Mae Rodriguez, a resident of Watsonville, was born on October 10, 1964, in Watsonville, California. She passed away on October 31, 2022. She was 58 years old. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Juan Marez Tavera and Maria Julia (Carrillo) Tavera, and siblings, Gus Tavera, Katherine "Katy" Shelton, Maria Tavera, John Tavera, Gilbert Tavera, Dolores "Loli" Garcia, and Frances "Nani" Ortiz. She is survived by her siblings Martha Gamboa, Blanca Tavera, Patricia "Patsy" Falcon, Ruthie Tavera, Evelyn Meyers, Daniel Tavera, Marisol Tavera, and Becky Clark, and many nieces and nephews. 

Rachel married Manuel Rodriguez and had four wonderful children, Manuel Paul, Robert, Katrina, and Stephan, and six grandchildren, Akaiden, Dorian, Ashton, Savannah, Susanna, and Ryder. 

Rachel was a kind-hearted and loving woman with an incredible personality and an infectious laugh. She touched the lives of everyone she met, including the many students she worked with, and people took a liking to her the moment they met her. 

Her unique charm, charisma, and vivacious spirit made her a well-loved woman among all her family members. She enjoyed walks on the beach and music and had a special talent for singing and dancing to Cindy Lauper. While she struggled for many years with her health, she made the most out of it, with the majority of her time spent with her children enjoying family gatherings and holidays.  

One of her biggest accomplishments was spending two decades impacting countless students' lives through her work as a counselor at New School and Escuela Quetzal. People loved and respected her. As a counselor, her door was always open, and she went above and beyond to support her students. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 17, from 5-9pm at Ave Maria Memorial Chapel. The burial will be held on Friday, November 18, at 10am at Valley Public Cemetery.