Elvira Rodriguez

Elvira "Vera" H. Rodriguez

April 21, 1946 - August 25, 2025

We remember and honor the life of Elvira "Vera" Rodriguez, age 79, who passed away Monday, August 25, 2025.

Vera was born to Pedro Rodriguez and Consuelo Loa on a beautiful Easter Sunday, in Delano, California on April 21, 1946. As a child she and her family lived a migrant life traveling to several cities throughout central and northern California. When Vera was 15 years old, she and her family settled down in Guadalupe, California, the city she loved.

Vera was never scared to take on new opportunities and did everything with pride and integrity. She had very strong values and was well liked by everyone she met. She found her passion for cooking when she began her first job at the PI Café, an authentic Filippino restaurant, in 1961, at the age of 16. In the late 60's Vera worked as a cocktail waitress at the Commercial Hotel in Guadalupe. She proudly became a bartender on May 27, 1971, the very day women were legally able to tend bar in California.

Vera worked hard and long hours to provide for her children. As she continued to bartend and waitress, in 1974, Vera returned to school and received her GED and CNA from Allan Hancock College. She began working at Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County, still waitressing and bartending on weekends and in 1976 Vera became a community liaison for the Guadalupe School District.

Vera had a passion for entertaining, hosting, being active and present in her community. In 1981 she began working full-time as a bartender at La Simpatia Café in Guadalupe and remained there for 17 years. Having been a migrant child herself, Vera proudly dedicated the following 20 years working for CAP SLO as a cook for the local preschool for children of migrant workers. After her retirement, she returned to La Simpatia Café, on and off, waitressing and serving her community.

Vera had two children she cherished dearly. Her son Francisco Garcia was born in 1964, and her daughter Connie Velázquez was born in 1968. The following year Vera met Marcos Vasquez. They were in a relationship for only 11 years but maintained a friendship until his passing. In 1995 Vera adopted the Vega family; Mariano, Maribel, Derly, and Carlos Vega.

Vera loved to cook and catered many parties in her community, She was known for making the best tamales in the area. Although her passion for cooking and feeding everyone encompassed her life, her greatest love of all were her grandchildren. She was Nana to all.

Vera is survived by her children Francisco "Pancho" Garcia (Margie) and Connie Velázquez (Alfonso). Grandchildren Francisco "Paco" Garcia, Alejandro Garcia and Velén Velázquez. Sisters Monica Baca, Lucy Rayos and Frances Hernandez, sister-in-law Nellie Rodriguez and many nieces and nephews.

Vera is preceded in death by her parents Pedro Rodriguez and Consuelo Loa; brothers Peter and Romaldo Rodriguez, sisters Maggie Murillo and Ruth Ann Coneys.

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, September 17th at 6:00 pm at the Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary chapel.

Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, September 18th at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church followed by a burial at the Guadalupe Cemetery.

A Celebration of her life will immediately follow at the Santa Maria Elks Lodge.

Visit www.dudleyhoffmanmortuary.com to leave a condolence for the family.