Dinora Oneida Rodriguez

Dinora O. Rodriguez, 74, of Mission, TX, was called home by her heavenly Father on December 18, 2022, surrounded by family. Dinora was born on February 05, 1948, in Rio Grande City, Texas, to Julio and Felicia V. Rodriguez.

Dinora started her first job at 10 years old when she picked cotton at McCook to help with family expenses. Although it was laborious work for a child, this time was looked back on fondly. She held several jobs in her youth, which included being a sales clerk at Ben Franklin (Mission) while in high school and a sales associate during her college years at McClennan’s (McAllen). After Dinora graduated from Mission High School in 1966, she went on to study at Pan American University, where she earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education. Dinora started her teaching career in 1973 at Thigpen-Zavala Elementary in McAllen. In 1985 she moved to Ollie O’Grady Elementary with Mission CISD.

Dinora was a beloved teacher. She was known to her nieces and nephews as “Tia Di.” In their youth, every niece and nephew went through Tia Di’s schoolhouse and loved it. That schoolhouse included plenty of snacks, a lot of reading, math, and abundant hugs. Some of the nieces and nephews only got this “schooling” during summers and other visits. The more fortunate relatives, who lived closer, benefited from a more frequent education. Education was of utmost importance to Tia Di. As long as she was able, she was aways present during her nieces’ and nephews’ milestones.

In 2000, Dinora retired and spent her time helping family and participating in activities she loved. Dinora was an inspirational teacher who during her twenty-seven year career provided encouragement to her many students whom she loved dearly. Her former students always acknowledged her and expressed their gratitude for her dedication. She too remembered her former students and regardless of how many years had passed she would always remember their names and acknowledge their exemplary achievements. She loved teaching and championed for the betterment of the profession by serving on the Board of the Palm Valley Association of Retired School Personnel.

Dinora was active in the community and always found ways to help those in need. Dinora always spoke fondly of her friends from her bowling league and Bunko group. She truly enjoyed helping others and was resolute in her faith towards Christ. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters and devoted time to her church, St. Paul’s Catholic Church. It was there that she taught catechism, sang in the choir and took part in the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Dinora took her role as a Godmother seriously and provided guidance on Christian teaching from youth to adulthood.

Dinora was preceded in death by her parents, Julio and Felicia V. Rodriguez; her sister, Dalia Rojas; her brother, Julio Rodriguez, Jr. and his wife Maria and her brother in law Octavio Cantu.

She is survived by her sisters Delfina Cantu, Diana Rodriguez and Deyanira Mancha all of Mission; her sister Dora R. Garza of Brazoria, Texas; her brother Jaime J. Rodriguez (Grace) of Mission, Texas; and her brother in law Isidro Rojas of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Dinora will be missed dearly by family, friends, community members, and former students.

Ric Brown Family Funeral of Mission is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be on Monday, December 26, 2022 at 4:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. Church service will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.