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Memorial Keepers (1)

Beach Funeral Homes - East

Susan Eileen Rodrigues

October 14th, 1932 - February 14th, 2019

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Susan Eileen Rodrigues was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Irish immigrant parents on the fourteenth day of October, 1932, the first of their five children. Their home was the center of neighborhood activity, perfectly paired with a personality that easily made friends…and fun. In high school, she enjoyed playing basketball and, eventually, coaching. She was a bright student and, after graduating high school, quickly went to work as a secretary on Maiden Lane in the heart of Manhattan's financial district. She had a classic sense of style that suited her natural beauty. She loved to watch the Dodgers at Ebbett's Field. A chance, blind date, arranged by a mutual friend, introduced her to Joseph Rodrigues, the love of her life. On the evening of their engagement, the couple visited St. Patrick's Cathedral, asking God's blessing on their marriage along with Susan's prayer that their home might never be without a baby. Over the nearly 65 years that followed, her arms never longed for the tender touch of an infant, blessed with 8 children, 16 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Her love for babies extended well beyond her own, choosing for a period of several years to open her heart and home to newborns awaiting adoption. Her arms had the ability to hold and hug without hesitation. She was her children's and grandchildren's biggest fan, cheerleader, and marketing agent. She was generous with praise but never held back the words one might not want to hear. She was a woman of faith, a founding member of the Holy Name of Jesus Women's Guild. For years, parishioners and visitors would find her heading up the food concession at the annual fair, famously serving up her sausage and peppers with a smile and a joke or two. This was the community that brought her some of the greatest, most lasting gifts of friendship. Within this circle, she found the girlfriends with whom she shared life, the good and the bad, learning as they journeyed together, diminishing each other's sorrows, and doubling each other's joys, usually with hearty doses of laughter and fun. She relished the annual Women's Convention, rarely missing the chance to ditch the kids and escape for a few days of raucous, wild abandonment. She cherished tradition and the rituals of her Catholic faith. She was a dutiful and loving daughter and sister. She was a fierce and loyal friend. Susan was proud of her Irish heritage, enjoyed reading about its history and culture. While she only returned to her birthplace a handful of times after making Florida home, her heart and her accent celebrated her New York, New York roots. She loved the water, the beach, the ocean, the river, a plunge in a pool. She loved the color blue and Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. She wasn't afraid to sing or dance or be herself. Her Irish eyes were the sparkling windows to her effervescent essence, danced with delight, revealed the mischief within a sense of humor that had the power to transform and captivate. Her ability to love knew no bounds. She had an unending ability to welcome everyone into her home and favorite gathering place, around the dining room table, where there was always room for one more and where she could make a meal stretch to feed anyone who walked through her door. It is fitting that God chose to welcome Susan into her heavenly home on the day the world celebrates His greatest of gifts. We, the grateful recipients of her love, are forever blessed for a beautiful life, so well lived In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul and mailed to: Holy Name of Jesus 3050 N Highway A1A, Indialantic, FL 32903

We Entrusted Susan Rodrigues's Care To

Beach Funeral Homes - East

Beach Funeral Homes - East

Nestled along the serene shores of Melbourne's Barrier Island, The Beach Funeral Home stands out as the only beachside funeral service provider, offering solace and support to the Brevard County and Palm Bay communities for over three decades. Our commitment to providing meaningful, affordable care has made us a cornerstone for families navigating the difficult journey of losing a loved one. We deeply value our community's rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs, striving to honor each family's unique traditions and religious practices with utmost respect....

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(321) 214-7337

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