Carmelita Dolores “Doe” (Mahoney) Rodriguez

July 18, 1930 - March 24, 2021

Doe Rodriguez passed away peacefully on March 24, 2021, days after suffering a major stroke. She was 90 and lived a full life of love and laughter with her 6 children, grandchildren, and husband of almost 50 years, Don. She is survived by her sons Mark and Mike Rodriguez and daughters Donna Rodriguez, Linda Thomas, and Lisa Rokes (Phil). Her grandchildren, Kristin and Ryan Rodriguez, Jordan and Christopher Thomas, and Jarod and Samantha Rokes will miss her feisty personality, fun spirit and adoration. She was predeceased by her husband Don, daughter Nancy and son-in-law Kit Thomas, as well as both of her siblings, James and Jeannette Mahoney. Doe was born and raised in San Francisco to James Bergin and Carmelita Mahoney. She grew up in the Outer Sunset, attended St. Rose Academy and San Francisco City College. She spoke proudly of her San Francisco roots and held dear the memories made each summer at “The River”. In 1950, Doe married Don and in 1958, they moved to San Rafael. It was the beginning of decades spent building many special friendships and a strong San Rafael community for raising their six children, plus several “honoraries”, as she was a “second Mom” to many.

Doe was deeply faithful and for over six decades, dedicated much of her time to St. Raphael’s School and Parish. She and Don were active leaders of the parish teen group, where they guided an immeasurable number of teens through the challenging times of Marin County in the 1960’s. In her later years, she “worked” at the rectory, where it sounded like too much fun to be associated with work! She cherished those friendships and the many others that her involvement with St. Raphael’s brought. Doe’s impact on the San Rafael community was acknowledged when Mayor Al Boro, designated October 3, 2009, “Doe Rodriguez Day”, to honor her decades of service. The celebration that night at St. Raphael’s “Apostle’s Night”, special in and of itself, would be the last time she was with all six of her children and gave her a joyous memory that carried her as she adjusted to the death of her beloved daughter, Nancy two months later. Doe was a survivor, her faith and grace, after such an enormous loss, inspired others to move forward.

The many phases of Doe’s life centered around her faith, family, friends, and community. Wherever she went she became involved and shared her calming wisdom, wit, and bottomless sense of humor! She loved music, dancing, and laughter; all were constants in the Rodriguez household. Her participation in the Church was continual and she expanded her community at every opportunity. Doe spent decades working behind the scenes at the Marin County Fair. She created enduring friendships and continued volunteering well into her 80’s. She became a board member and President of Ballet Aquacade when two daughters were dancers. Each child required new skill development and she was always ready to do the work in support of her kids. Several times she opened her home to one of her children’s friends who needed a place to stay long-term, and each was welcomed as part of the family, as was everyone who entered her home. When her children were grown, Doe started working at St. Isabella School, where she was school secretary and made sure the children knew she was there for them whether they needed support or a bandaid. She retired after Don died and gleefully traveled the world! She moved into The Tamalpais, where she once again, jumped at the chance to participate in her community by joining committees, social groups and making new friends. There was no slowing her down!

Doe was generous with her heart, humor, and self. She had a way putting people at ease and giving them confidence to pursue their dreams and goals. She will forever be missed by those who were blessed to have her in their lives. There is a Catholic Mass scheduled at 10:00 am on Sunday July 18th, 2021 at St. Raphael’s Church, 1104 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. The family hopes to schedule a celebration of her life to follow the Mass and is monitoring Covid-19 restrictions to determine the best place to hold this special event.