Bertha V Rodriguez

Bertha V Rodriguez was born in the village of Cundiyó, NM, to Noberto and Elena Vigil on June 19,1939. She was the youngest of her siblings Adelina Vigil, Ruby Vigil, Ruby Johnson, Pita Lujan, and Joe Vigil.

Bertha attended Cundiyó Elementary and Pojoaque Elementary. She graduated from Loretto Academy. She began college at the young age of 16. She attended UNM and NMSU and obtained a Master of Arts in Foreign Languages in 1973.

 She taught Spanish for the Pojoaque School district for 25 years. She founded the Spanish club, El Círculo Español. She wanted to share the Spanish language, culture, and traditions with all her students. They made several trips to Mexico after many fund-raising endeavors, including making and selling adobes. They presented numerous plays at the school for the community, including El Wizard de Pojoaque. Every year at Christmas time, she would load up her students in the back of her truck with blankets and pillows, and they would sing Spanish Christmas carols to many families throughout the Pojoaque Valley. It was one of the most memorable aspects of her career. Bertha touched the lives of many students, and many became Spanish teachers, of which she was very proud.

When Bertha was young, she spent much time outdoors "in the saddle." She was an incredible horseback rider. She would go to the Pecos wilderness to check on cows and to fish. She took many trips to Joe L Vigil Lake, which was named after her brother.

 Bertha said the highlight of her life was the birth of her only child, Rita. She was a dedicated mother who made every moment special. Even as an adult, Bertha spent many days shopping, going to the casino, fishing, and going out to eat with her daughter. They were best friends. She was always there to listen and give advice, whether Rita asked for it or not. However, she was always right! 

In 1987, Bertha met her now silver-haired fox, Salvador (Rod) Rodriguez. They married on March 17, 1990. They had 34 wonderful years together. They retired and took their first trip to New Orleans, LA. Their adventures took them to Hawaii, Arkansas, Mexico, Alaska, Canada, and Laughlin, NV. They even took helicopter flights to see the Grand Canyon and Yellowhorse. They traveled in their camper and would cook all their favorite NM foods along the way. Before Bertha passed, she said that no one could have loved her better or taken better care of her than Rod. He was the love of her life, and she was so grateful for the life they built together.

Nothing made Bertha happier or prouder than her grandchildren, Bryan and Elena. She always supported their endeavors, whether she agreed with them or not. Bryan and Bertha had a very close relationship before he passed in 2008, which impacted her tremendously. Bertha was an incredible grandmother. She was ecstatic when she found out Elena had reenrolled in college courses. It was a dream that she always wanted for her. Bertha and Elena would spend hours talking on the phone about everything and nothing at all. She adored her great-grandchildren Emmet, Liliana, Elicia, and Juliette. She was excited to meet her newest great-grandson, Bryan in April. Bertha would FaceTime with them regularly. Grandma “Birthday”, as she was called by her great-grandchildren, loved these visits as much as they did. 

The family would like to thank everyone who visited Bertha at her home, at the hospital, and at the rehabilitation center. A special thank you to Rene Lopez and Phyllis Gallegos, who comforted her with prayers, music, and biscochitos. The family is extremely grateful to the Los Alamos Wellness and Rehabilitation Center for taking the utmost care of Bertha during her final days. They would also like to thank Father John and the staff at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Thank you to everyone who has reached out and sent love and prayers.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents Noberto and Elena Vigil; siblings Adelina Vigil, Ruby Vigil, Ruby Johnson, Pita Lujan and Joe Vigil; loving grandson Bryan Sanchez. 

She is survived by the love of her life Salvador Rodriguez; daughter Rita Sanchez; granddaughter Elena (Emmet) Bauer; great-grandchildren Emmet, Liliana, Elicia, and Juliette who lovingly called her Grandma Birthday; unborn great-grandson Bryan; stepchildren David Rodriguez, Paul (Janet) Rodriguez, Diana (Terry) Burge; special step-grandchild Shannon (Mike) Jones, and step-grandchildren that she treated as her own. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends. 

There will be Rosery at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Alamos, NM, on Friday December 20, 2024, at 9:00 am, Mass to follow at 9:30 am. Burial will be at 1:30 pm at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

The Family of Bertha V Rodriguez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. www.devargas funeral.com 505-747-7477