Obituaries

Soledad Rodríguez Vera passed away peacefully at her home on January 30th, 2026, at the age of 98. She was the last surviving child of Matías Rodríguez and Guadalupe Rosas. Mrs. Vera reunites with her son, Hugo Vera (1958–1993), in our Father’s heavenly kingdom. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, Manuel; her children, Ana Maria, Luis Manuel, Oldia, Oscar, Aisa, Ricardo, Enedina, and Laura; her 17 grandchildren; and her 21 great-grandchildren.

Born on November 11th, 1927, in Cañada de Caracheo, Guanajuato, México, Mrs. Vera grew up with her parents and six brothers. As a young woman, she was a catechist, had many friends, and was well loved by all who knew her. Although Mrs. Vera’s only sister passed away at an early age and she did not have memories of her, her sisters-in-law became like sisters to her as she formed a special and lasting bond with them.

Doña Chole, as she was affectionately known by many, was deeply religious and spiritual. She often shared how proud she was to have been baptized by Father Elías del Socorro Nieves during the Cristero War in México, becoming one of the last infants he baptized in secret before his capture and execution in 1928. She remained devoted to Padre Nieves throughout her life. In 1997, she made the journey to Rome to witness his beatification by Pope John Paul II.

Mrs. Vera was a resident of Fremont, California, for 67 years. She initially lived in the Niles District, and in 1962 she and her husband settled into their home near Lake Elizabeth Park in the Irvington District, where Mrs. Vera lived for the remainder of her life. In the early years living in Fremont, Mrs. Vera was a very active parishioner at St. Leonard’s Church and was one of the founding members of the “Grupo Guadalupanos”.

She made everyone feel welcome in her home. She had friends young and old and enjoyed spending time with them. One of her pleasures was giving gifts.

Mrs. Vera loved to sing and compose songs. She wrote one honoring her hometown “La Cañada” and one for the late singer Selena. She enjoyed old time Mexican baladas, rancheras, corridos, and boleros music. She had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling clever jokes. Her joyful spirit was always admired for all who knew her.

Mrs. Vera was blessed with a tender, caring, lovely, and forgiving heart. Her nine children and all her descendents were her greatest treasure. Though her passing brings much sadness, her devotion to faith and her legacy of love will live forever in the memory of those who knew her.