Virginia Lee Rodriguez's Obituary
Virginia Lee “Gini” Rodriguez, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully entered her eternal home on September 2, 2025, at the age of 89, after courageously facing a long battle with dementia. Her unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—embraced at the tender age of four—sustained her throughout her remarkable life and remains her family’s greatest comfort.
Born on June 30, 1936, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Walter and Bertha Tinker, Gini was the younger of two daughters. As children, she and her sister Mona spent summers traveling by train to visit their grandmother in Seaside, Oregon. It was there, in a small church by the sea, that Gini and Mona , at just four and five years old, experienced the infilling presence of the Holy Spirit—giggling as they experienced this divine gift before fully understanding the meaning. This early encounter with God became the foundation of a lifelong faith that illuminated and guided every step of her life.
Following her parents’ early divorce, Gini was raised by her mother and stepfather, Earnest Henry, who moved the family to San Diego. She attended school in Point Loma and formed lifelong friendships with a group of neighborhood girls who spent their summers on Ocean Beach. Today, a sidewalk tile on Newport Avenue bears Gini’s name alongside her friends, affectionately known as “The O.B. Girls.”
Gini met her future husband, Jacob Paul “Jake” Rodriguez, at a dance during their teenage years. Captivated by her dazzling smile and genuine warmth, Jake fell in love with Gini, beginning a devoted partnership that would span more than 70 years. Their enduring love weathered life’s challenges through shared faith, mutual respect, and an unshakable commitment to each other and their growing family. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and the assurance that each child was deeply cherished.
As a mother to Diane, Jake Jr., David, and Lisa, Gini embodied selfless devotion. She rose early to prepare breakfast, drove countless miles to support her children’s activities, and worked part-time jobs—waiting tables and assisting in a pharmacy—to ensure her children could pursue every opportunity. Though she never attended college, her intellect and wisdom were evident in the guidance and unconditional love she offered her family.
The family’s first home in Pacific Beach became a haven of ocean adventures, with Gini and the children spending countless days in the water and on the sand. Jake would often join them after work for evening swims and beachside barbecues. Later, they moved to La Mesa, where Gini and Jake transformed what had been a neglected backyard into a lush garden oasis that earned recognition from the local newspaper. Their shared passion for gardening blossomed into mastery, creating a vibrant outdoor space that became the pride of their neighborhood.
Two places held a special place in Gini’s heart: Yosemite National Park and the island of Maui. The numerous camping and backpacking trips to Yosemite became treasured traditions, where Gini marveled at God’s creation among towering sequoias and granite peaks. Even at age 50, she carried a heavy backpack up some of the Sierra’s highest trails, inspiring generations of family members with her adventurous spirit. Jake and Gini’s love for Maui grew over 30 years of annual visits, culminating in a bold move to the island in their seventies. There, they embraced the aloha spirit and found peace in the island’s beauty and community.
A voracious reader, Gini always had a new book waiting. Her stunning green eyes—first noticed by Jake—were matched by her warmth, infectious laughter, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. She treated others with the same love and respect she hoped to receive, cultivating a close-knit circle of friends who shared decades of joy and fellowship.
Gini’s strength of character was evident in her honesty, courage, and grace in facing life’s challenges. Her legacy lives on most powerfully in her four children, each of whom she equipped with deep faith, strong values, and unwavering love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather Earnest, and her cherished sister Mona, who passed away eight years ago after her own battle with dementia.
Gini is survived by her devoted husband of 72 years, Jacob Paul Rodriguez; her children: Diane, Jake Jr., David, and Lisa; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and countless friends whose lives were touched by her grace, wisdom, and love.
Gini’s life was a testament to the transforming power of faith, the strength of enduring love, and the profound impact of a life lived with kindness, devotion, and joy. Her spirit lives on in every family gathering, every Yosemite sunrise and Maui sunset, and in the eternal hope her faith in Jesus Christ offers to all who mourn her passing.
Services: A celebration of Gini’s life will be held on Sunday, September 21st at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception at 12:30 PM. Adults only please - limited seating.
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." – Proverbs 31:28
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