Magdalen "Megan Rodriguez" Sarantis Rodriguez

Magdalen Sarantis Rodriguez (Megan Rodriguez) loving Mother, Wife, Sister, and Friend passed away Monday, February 3rd, 2025, at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center at the age of 65. She was born October 12th, 1959, in Elgin, Illinois to immigrants from Greece, Alexander and Yiota Sarantis. The family moved several times during Megans childhood, until they finally decided on Saginaw, Michigan in 1970. Megan grew up working in the family restaurants; including Alexander’s in St. Charles, the Oyster Cove in Midland, the Bancroft Hotel, and Traditions at the Quality Inn in Saginaw. It was during her time working in the family restaurants that she would meet her Husband, Matias Rodriguez Jr., they married in 2000 in Gatlinburg, TN. Post restaurant life, Megan decided her focus would be to grow the Belly Dance Community in Michigan. She founded the Belly Dance Divas in the mid 2000s and continued to be active within the troupe until her passing. Spiritually, Megan was deeply committed to the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saginaw, MI. and various activities within the parish. Megan served on the Parish Council and helped run the Saginaw Greek Festival that is held annually. She was also an active member of the women’s group The Daughters of Penelope. Outside of her work and involvement within her community, she loved spending time with her family above all. 

Megan is survived by her husband, Matias Rodriguez Jr., her son Alexander (Kaycee) Sarantis, brother Bill (Linda) Sarantis, sister Constance (Steve) Lemere, and her nieces and nephews, Alyssa (Zach), Courtney (Kurtis), Autumn (Eric), and Sarah (Brett). Along with several step-children, cousins, and dear friends she considered family.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Alexander and Yiota Sarantis.

The Trisagion Service will take place on 2/24 at 10AM at St. Katherines Greek Orthodox Church in Chandler, AZ. The burial service will take place afterwards at Gilbert Memorial Park with a small reception to follow. 

For those looking to help with donations, please direct those to Legacy Funeral Home - Chandler.