Martha Nava Rodriguez

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It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that our family bids an extraordinary woman goodbye. Martha Nava Rodriguez went to be with our Heavenly Father at sunset on September 10, 2021: surrounded by her children. Martha was born in La Colonia, Oxnard, California on June 01, 1928.

Martha was the firstborn of Francisco and Guadalupe Nava. Growing up on North Hayes Ave in La Colonia, she helped raise her 3 younger brothers (Raul, Joe, Frank) and 3 sisters (Alice, Elena, Eva). As a young girl, Martha worked to help her family as an agriculture worker and at Santa Clara lemon packing house. Martha attended Our Lady of Guadalupe school on 7th Street and Oxnard High School. Martha was a dedicated parishioner at Saint Anthony's and Santa Clara parishes.

From 1977-1993, Martha worked for the Oxnard School District. She was a teacher's aide, yard aide, and worked in the school's cafeteria. Martha volunteered with the Saint Anthony's Parish Women's Counsel and for Santa Clara High School rummage sales and fiestas. She spent many years and hours as a volunteer with Saint John's Hospital auxiliary. She wanted to help wherever she could.

She loved to travel with family: an annual trip to Yosemite National Park and to the state of Oregon. The entire "Nava Family" would gather and camp. Martha would enjoy her bus trips to Laughlin with her sisters and family. However, Martha's top destination was Las Vegas. In the early 80's Martha was blessed to visit the Holy Land where she had renewed her baptismal vows in the River Jordan.

Martha was always thinking about her children and often asked if they had eaten. Cooking was her medicine, Each one of her children had a favorite dish she would make burritos to travel home with after a visit, her son's gordita's every Saturday morning, her famous potato salad. Every holiday season family would gather to make tamales and share advice to the younger women to keep the tradition going.

She will be deeply missed. She will be remembered for her patience and great love for family and friends. She always was considerate enough to never leave anyone out. Martha was an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, and friend who always thought about all others before herself.

Roy and Martha were married on January 7, 1945, at Santa Clara Church and remained so for almost 60 years. They were blessed with 6 children: Maryellen Morgan, Roy Rodriguez (Jeanie), Alfred Rodriguez (Deceased). John Rodriguez (Laura), Geri Rodriguez, and Adrian Rodriguez. Martha is survived by many grandchildren Ronald McDowell, Gina McDowell, Roy Rodriguez III, Ryan Rodriguez, Fred Rodriguez Jr, Renee Rodriguez, Christina Rodriguez, Joanna Rodriguez, Nava Rodriguez Johnson, Shawn Knight, and Johnny Knight, as well as (24) great grandchildren and (11) great great grandchildren.

Martha welcomed (7) foster children into her home while raising her own children.

She is also survived by her brothers and sisters Alice Vasquez, Eva Maria, Frank Nava (Sally), Elena Romero (Mike) as well as, Uncles, Aunts, Nephews and Nieces.

She is now reunited with her parents, her one and only true love Roy E. Rodriguez, her son Alfred Rodriguez, her brothers Raul and Joe Nava, grandson Robert McDowell.

Please come and join us in our celebration of life for Martha N. Rodriguez. We are asking to Celebrate Martha's life by wearing her favorite colors. Pink or lilac.

Rosary is at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, September 26, 2021, with viewing until 5:00 pm at Reardon Funeral Home 511 North A. Street, Oxnard, California 93030.

Funeral Services on Monday, September 27, 2021, 10:00 Santa Clara Catholic Church 323 South E. Street, Oxnard, California. Interment is immediately following the services and is at Santa Clara Cemetery. The reception will be held at Knights of Columbus Hall 632 South D Street Oxnard, California following the interment.

Floral Arrangements can be sent to Reardon Funeral Home. A virtual funeral event can be viewed at www.reardonfh.com.

John 16:22 - So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

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