Larisa Pauline Rodriguez

With a heart filled with love and a spirit as vibrant as her hair, Larisa "Lari" Pauline Rodriguez has completed her journey on this earth. Born in San Marcos, Texas, on August 30, 1994, Larisa danced her way onto her next journey on July 18, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Because let's face it, if there's a party happening in Heaven, Larisa is
there, front and center, probably doing a handstand and hula-hooping as only Larisa can.
Larisa is survived by her loving parents, David and Linda Cristan-Rodriguez; her adoring younger brother, Jacob Rodriguez; her maternal grandparents, Roy and Minnie Cristan and paternal grandfather, Richard Rodriguez. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Lemon, who will miss her cuddles and long walks around Town Lake. Larisa is
now reunited with her late brother, DJ, her grandmother, Doris Rodriguez, and her uncle Ricky Rodriguez in the great concert in the Sky.
Larisa graduated from James Bowie High School in 2012, where she was known for her pole-vaulting skills and the ability to run the 300-meter hurdles like a gazelle. She then sprinted her way to Texas State University, graduating in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Communications. This would explain her uncanny ability to
talk her way out of parking tickets or getting her car towed. Using her degree, she became a Data Analyst for Facebook, proving that even in the world of numbers and data, there was room for creativity and a good laugh. But don't worry; she wasn't the one reading your messages. She was too busy finishing work quickly so she could
get on to climbing rocks, lifting weights, and traveling across the United States to attend music festivals. Larisa truly believed in the motto, "You should work to live, not live to work."
Larisa's interests were as unique and varied as the crystals and stones she collected. She was not just a collector; she was knowledgeable and passionate about these natural wonders. Her love for crystals was a testament to her appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
She was a gymnast from age 4, earning numerous medals from competitions in and out of the United States. She continued her athleticism through competitive gymnastics, pole vault, and track in high school and even joined the Texas State gymnastics recreation club in college. She took up weightlifting in her later years, bringing
back her saying, "Welcome to the gun show" (While flexing her biceps). She was proud of her progress, and rightfully so.
In addition to her love of physical activity, Larisa was a talented artist and entrepreneur. She created handmade rugs, jewelry, and crafts through her small business, "Chill as Heck," which was not just a name but a mantra she lived by. Each piece she crafted was a testament to her adventurous spirit and love for life.
She was the friend who would convince you to go on a midnight hike, the sister who would turn a boring family dinner into a night of fun and games, and the daughter who made her parents proud every day. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of laughter, love, and brightly colored hair wrapped in space buns.
In the words of Helen Keller, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." This quote encapsulates the essence of Larisa's life. She was not afraid to be different and was passionate about her beliefs. She was a beacon of individuality and a testament to the power of living life on your own terms.
Larisa's final act of love was to donate her organs to save others. She continued to give and lives on through the lives she has saved. She never ceased to amaze her family, even after her passing.
So, here's to you, Larisa Pauline Rodriguez, our "Lari"; you were a woman who lived life on your own terms with a smile on your face and a sparkle in your eyes. Your spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who loved you, reminding each of us to live life to the fullest and show love and acceptance to all. Your uniqueness will continue to inspire those who knew you and those who will come to know you through the stories we will continue to share about your life. You may have ended your journey on earth, but always know that you made the world much brighter with your spirit and left this world a little less colorful as you left. You will be missed beyond explanation, Larisa, but your loving spirit will continue to inspire us to live life as you did - full of adventure, confidence, and creativity. We thank you and love you more than you will ever know.