Diane Saenz-Rodriguez age 64, passed away on June 24, 2023, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband Marine Rodriguez whom she has been married to for 41 years, her three children: Marine Rodriguez (Tatee), Destiny (Son-in-law Mario) Tafoya, Leena Rodriguez (Bird), her two grandchildren Mia Tafoya, and Emma Tafoya, along with her two siblings, Roland (Christine) Saenz, and Jeannette (Frank) Zuniga, four nieces, and one nephew. She was born in San Antonio, Texas and moved to Chicago when she was seven years old in 1965. She grew up on 17th and Racine and graduated from St. Procopius Catholic School.
Diane worked for Catholic Charities for 45 years, 27 of those years working at El Centro De La Causa providing families and the community with many resources. She was instrumental in starting the after- school program at the center. Diane worked the last 18 years as a Child Care Program Director managing numerous Child Care Centers.
Diane was a deeply compassionate, strong, charitable woman. She was optimistic and always saw the best in every situation living her life to the fullest. She was very witty and humorous and often told jokes and family stories. Diane loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally; she will be truly missed.
Diane joins her Mother Oralia G. Saenz, Sister Margot Saenz, Brother Jose Saenz, and Father Jose E, Saenz in heaven. Although we are deeply saddened to part with her, we are comforted to know that they are together again.
Visitation: Wednesday June 28, 2023, at Wolniak Funeral Home, 5700 S, Pulaski Road, Chicago, Illinois 60629 from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Funeral Mass: Thursday June 29, 2023, at St. Procopius Catholic Church 1202 W. 18th St. (Corner of 18th Street & Allport Street) Chicago, IL, 60608. Family and friends will gather at 9:00 am until the start of the Celebration of Life Mass/Service at 11:00 am
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A Cherished Mother and Grandmother
A cherish Mother and Grandmother
You are and were… and will forever be.
You loved us throughout a lifetime.
And we’ll love you throughout eternity.
As children, you were Mom and our strength.
The force upon which we relied.
You helped is grow through life’s Laughter and tears.
And you always stood by our side.
You were so strong and worked so hard.
To take good care of us
Hours spent…such time we can’t comprehend!
Proved your faithful devotion to us.
And when we brought our own children home
Your commitment only grew.
You helped them, played with them, and loved them.
As only a Moma can do.
And our children…they came to adore you!
For you spoiled them with love and affection
You treasured each one in such special ways.
There are too many examples to mention.
And though they were denied more days and years
With a Moma as wonderful as you
You’re filled their hearts with sweet memories.
That’ll remain a while lifetime through.
Dearest Mother and Moma, we love you!
We fine we cannot do enough.
To express the depth of our gratitude
For your sacrifice and your Love
But trust you’ll be remembered.
In sweetest memories every day
For you have blessed our lives forever
Through your goodness, and love and strength!
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A strong heart and loving soul is never gone
A woman who wore many hats in her life ,She was always there when I needed her and not once did she ever let me down. Diane I will miss your conversations, your advice ,your sweet treats during the holidays and you sharing how you decorated your house and most of all I will miss You and your LOVE for us. Rest peacefully my friend.
condolences to the family of ms Diane Rodriguez……my heart and prayers go out to the family
Sympathy to the family of Diane Saenz-Rodriguez. She was a good friend that I met when she and her mother moved to Las Vegas. I remember fun times getting together till she moved back to Chicago right after high school graduation. I visited and eventually moved to Chicago myself and I did get to visit with her a few times. She was dedicated to her family and loved her work. May she rest in peace.