Mrs. Maria Teolinda Rodriguez
March 6, 1937 – October 12, 2021
Maria Teolinda “Blanca” Rodriguez, 84, passed away on October 12th, 2021 in Naples, FL.
Maria is preceded in death by her late husband Jose Aleman “Papa” and sons Robert and Joselito
“Tito” Aleman. Maria is survived by her children Bethania, Samuel, Francis, Sonia, and her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Maria was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to Felix Fernandez and Maria Elena
Rodriguez on March 6th, 1937. At the age of 41, she came to the United States as a
hard-working woman with a dream to create the foundation that led to the success of our family.
Her life was devoted to the service of her family and her community. Through her compassion
and generosity, she donated her time and resources to support those in need not only in the
mainland but also in her home country, the Dominican Republic. Maria, famously known as
“Mama”, went out of her way to take goods and supplies to anyone in need anywhere, leaving
herself with nothing if it would make a difference. She’s touched the lives of so many through
her volunteer work at Goodwill and many other organizations. She will always be our fabulously
dressed Mama, making us laugh, keeping us company, and bringing the family together with her
delicious food and warm soul. She was legendary for her cooking in the family, with famous
dishes such as “Arroz con Leche”, “Johnny Keke”, “Habichuela con Dulce”, “Sancocho”, and
“Arroz con Habichuela”. No matter what dishes her guests desired, she was known to cater
equally to all, often acknowledging gratitude with “a tu orden”, “at your command”. Her young,
whimsical spirit left no room for even the smallest grudge. She was and still is a priceless
treasure, whose contagious smile and laughter reminded all of us not to take life so seriously, as
she would say “No te preocupe tanto porque te pones vieja joven, la vida es corta” or “Don’t
worry so much you’re gonna get old young, life is too short.” It is an understatement when we
say that her beautiful, selfless, genuine, timeless, soul will be missed dearly.
We love you Mama. We will never forget the sacrifices you’ve made for our family. Your
wisdom and strength will live on through us.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, October 17th from 2PM to 6PM at Naples Funeral Home.
The family of Maria wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to the community who cared for her
in her late stages. Flower donations are welcome at the services.
Naples Funeral Home accepts deliveries from all floral providers. For these services, the family has selected Magical Flowers, 600 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, Florida 34102 (239)643-0419.
Calista Aquino
October 15, 2021, 7:42 pm
My dear Grandmother Mama,
I miss you dearly. You were and always will be my precious gem. I’m so grateful for everything you’ve done for me and my family. Your love was pure and true. Thank you for all your infinite love and wisdom. I will forever cherish all the time we’ve spent with you and all the memorable moments, the laughs, the food and your little cute pranks. You always went out of your way to make sure everyone was taken care of. Even cooking multiple dishes to make sure everyone’s desires were fulfilled. Every time I came to Florida you would rush to us with some yummy Johnny-Keke and said what you want for dinner. You would say I have to make your favorite dish (which was everything) and camys favorite arroz Con leche and for Machi you would say I got this to make for him so he has his favorite. There is so much I want to say but Omg just thinking of what you mean to me brings me to tears. Your laughter was contagious. Your energy was uplifting and inspiring. My mind knows your in a better place now, you feel no pain and are at peace but how can I make my heart understand what my mind does. It’s heartbreaking knowing that your gone. Mama your weren’t supposed to leave me yet. Remember we spoke about this. Camy was supposed to be married with 2 kids and her kids were supposed to have kids before you left me. I know your in God’s hands now. My angel in heaven. Rest in peace my beautiful, amazing, unique Mama. Te amo para siempre.
Love
Calista
Ricky Aleman
October 16, 2021, 2:55 pm
My beloved grandmother,
Since I was little, I remember many weekend mornings spent with you. In the morning you would cook me some mangú with eggs. We would go to the store together so you could pick up ingredients for the next meal you’d cook for everyone. I remember all the times you would come to visit at my house to drink coffee and make sure we were all doing well. You were there for so many family events and holidays I took it for granted you would always be around, especially when visiting from college or San Diego. Well, that’s not the case ever again. I’m glad I got to say my goodbyes to you before the end. You loved us deeply and showed it every day. I know we showed how much we loved you too. I take solace in knowing your job here was done – your kids were set, your grandchildren were grown up, and even great-grandchildren were thriving.
I’m grateful you had peace, love, and family with you in your final moments.
I love you Mama. May you Rest In Peace.
Love,
Ricky
Jasmin Aleman
October 16, 2021, 3:04 pm
Mama, you were truly a one of a kind grandmother. I miss you now and will miss you always…your love, goofiness and ability to not let things bog you down are an inspiration and such an integral part of who you were. Not to mention your wise words. You’d always teach me things like “don’t stand in front of the microwave while it’s on that’s bad for you” for which I would ask “why” and you never had an explanation. Turns out that for many of your wise teachings you were right! I’ll forever cherish the times you patiently taught me to sow. Also, watching you fervently gather items (clothing, house supplies, etc) that we didn’t need or want anymore in order to send them to impoverished people in the Dominican Republic. I could go on and on with stories about my sweet grandmother ♥️ she’s with the angels and God now though. She’s in peace and in safe hands. Te quero Mama ♥️
Betty Aleman
October 16, 2021, 3:16 pm
Mi Querida mamá te extraño mucho y mucho , porque siempre yo he estado allí contigo desde que nací hasta final, con mucho amor , mucho cariño , con muchos sentimientos siempre te he amado y te amaré siempre tú está en mi corazón para toda la vida y fuiste madre excelente muy buena y muy hermosa fuiste muy positiva y valiente y siempre tenía fe en Dios te merece Corona Que Dios te ponga un lugar mejor bello sea feliz y paz , y te doy gracia mil gracia por todos lo que hiciste con mucho amor , nunca no voy encontrar madre como tú . Mamá yo quería que tú llegara a lo 100 años para celebrarte con mariachi tú favorito , pero Dios te llevo y vio tus sufrimientos de tu cuerpo no pudiste aguantar más yo le dije a Dios que te llevara a un lugar santa gloria y con gozo y con Los Angeles y feliz y te amo mucho mucho mucho mil veces y gracia mamá y siempre tú estaba conmigo a tomar café todos días y a restaurant y a la tienda. Y siempre viajamos juntas hasta final que te fuiste y cuando yo estaba enferma me cuídate y cuando yo estaba triste me apoyaste y cuando yo tenía ansiedad me animaste y cuando yo estaba llorado. Tú estaba al lado de mi cuidándome , mamá por eso que la amo mucho mamá yo no quería que tú no te me fuera pero Dios tenía control de todos y entiendo que tú quería estar con nosotros yo no podía hacer nada y yo disfruté contigo todos eso tiempo le doy gracia a Dios me he dado chanse estar contigo llegaste a lo 84 años vivite una vida larga y con tu mente ahí … mi querida mamá te amare para siempre algún día vamos a ver , muchos besito. Te amooo mucho gracia mama que descansa en Paz de tú hija Betty .
Lina
October 21, 2021, 12:10 pm
Because of Blanca you are the amazing woman you are today Calista, and family, I think the world is a better place because of her beautiful children and grandchildren like you. Because of her we are blessed with you all. Thank you Blanca